Model and car racer Fabio Ide is going to be a dad of twins!
Fabio told Smart Parenting that his girlfriend of four years Ellen Frojd is due to give birth around September this year with twins.
"Nagulat kami, double blessing pero double trouble, double lahat!" he said in an interview during the Ready, Safe, Go event at SM Megamall last May 13.
"Dapat dalawang strollers, nakaka-stress to be honest, everything is times 2. But at the same time, we are enjoying it, it's a blessing."
Fabio's first child, Danielle, with hish ex-partner Denise Oca is already 9 years old and is very excited to be a big sister.
As a car racer and an advocate of child safety in vehicles, Fabio says they would need a bigger car since he needs to put two additional car seats for his babies.
"If you go on a long trip, which is 200 kms away, or if you are just going to the supermarket, which is two blocks away, if you have a child inside the car, make sure that you have your child safety seat." Fabio Ide
He encourages parents to do the same, "It's all about the safety of the little ones."
Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act enforced
In case you don't know, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority implemented the Single Ticketing System last May 2, and among the violations listed is regarding the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.
Failure to use a child restraint system (CRS) or a child safety seat would cost the driver P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5000 with the suspension of the driver's license for one year for the third and consequent offense.
Meanwhile, any driver who allows the use of a substandard and/or expired child restraint system or permits the use of a child restraint system that does not bear the Philippine Safety (PS) mark or the Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) sticker and certificate will be fined P1000, P3000, and P5000 for the first, second, third offense respectively. Read more here.
Car seat safety tips from car racer dad Fabio Ide
Fabio mentioned that before becoming an advocate for child safety seats, he witnessed an accident involving a very young child. "He wasn't restrained properly in the seat of the car, so that kind of experience made me realize how important it is to teach and educate parents and caregivers about the importance of having car seats."
"Make sure you install it properly. It shouldn't wiggle or move more than 1 inch when you try to move the seat." Fabio Ide
He added, car seats should be size and age-appropriate and also for the type of vehicle. It's also wrong if an adult is just carrying the child in the back seat.
Fabio stresses, "If you go on a long trip, which is 200 kilometers away, or if you are just going to the supermarket, which is two blocks away, if you have a child inside the car, make sure that you have your child safety seat."
He adds, "Make sure you install it properly. It shouldn't wiggle or move more than 1 inch when you try to move the seat. Make sure the child is buckled up properly as well."
When in doubt, check with a certified technician first.
READ ALSO: Moms Are Sharing Photos Of Their Kids In Car Seats Because It’s ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’
Top-selling car seats and prices
Over the years, studies have shown that using a child restraint system reduces the risk of injury among children.
Here are some of the top-selling car seats that you can buy:
1. If you are expecting a baby or has a newborn, the Chicco’s KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat (SRP Php 19,999.75) is everyone’s introduction to the car seat collection. It is the top 1-rated infant car seat in America. It’s designed for babies weighing 4-30 lbs.
2. The Chicco MyFit Car Seat (SRP P24,999.75) is designed to grow with children from toddler through big kid with easy transition to five-point harness to vehicle seat belt. It converts from 5-point harness (from 25 - 65 lbs) to belt-positioning booster (from 40 - 100 lbs).
Buy it on Shopee
3. For kids age 4 years old and up, Chicco Go Fit Plus (SRP P4,999.75) is a Backless Booster with LATCH is designed for big kid comfort and parent convenience. The GoFit® Plus is designed for children who are between 40-110 lbs and 38-57 inches tall
Buy it on Shopee
Read this complete car seat buying guide here.
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