When you’re a new parent, one of the hardest decisions you’ll have to make will be on what car seat you’d like to use. With all the options that are currently available on the market it does not make the decision any easier.
As a mom, Kacie Curtis knew what it was like to try and decide on the best choice for her own kids. Armed with her personal experience as a parent, Kacie set out to help bring a little organization to all the options available to parents today and created her own website. At Kids 2 Go Kacie has put together individual reviews on a variety of car seats, booster seats, and other travel systems so parents can make the best decision for their own families.
Tell us a little about Kids 2 Go.
Kids 2 Go is a website that features Travel Systems, Convertible Car Seats, Infant Car Seats, Booster Car Seats, Strollers and Double Strollers. Designed to be easy to navigate as well as informative. Each item posted has all the features straight from the manufacturer posted with a photo of the item in the exact color or pattern as the one described within the post. If there are more colors or patterns the article will specify.
What inspired you to create your website?
My children, Braxen, 3, and Colten, 7 months, were my inspiration for this site. While I was on my maternity leave after giving birth to Colten, my daycare provider informed me that she was expecting a baby and no longer wanted to care for other children after the birth of her new baby. Being a stay-at-home-mom was something I always wanted to do but, for financial reasons, that was out of the question. I do not trust many people with my children, so this news put a whole new stress on my husband, Randy, and me. I was searching the internet one day and came across a website that teaches you how to build your own online business. I decided it was worth a shot, so I gave them a call and the rest is history.
How many different car seats have you reviewed to date?
As of right now, there are over 100 different car seats available on my site from trusted brands like Graco, Evenflo, Chicco, Britax, and Safety 1st. As well as strollers and double strollers from names such as Maclaren, Peg Perego, Kolcraft and more.
What are some of the things you look for in the car seat you’re reviewing?
When deciding what goes on the website, the first thing I check is safety. Has the car seat or stroller been recalled? If so, what are they telling consumers who have purchased this item? Refunds? Repair Kits? Sometimes I won’t even post something that has been recalled, depending on what is was recalled for. I always check the recall lists to see if any of my products have been recalled. Next, is the harness system. It has been proven that the 5-point harness is the safest for a child. They are even making strollers with them. Obviously looks are important to people. The big trend right now is the pinks, purples and floral designs that let a person know before they have even seen your child, that she is a girl. Mom’s car is going to be taken over by children, so why can’t it still look good? There are more colors and designs than ever before when it comes to these particular items. I have really tried to have quite a range to cover everyone’s tastes. And that brings us to the most important part, the family budget. The safety of their kids is a mom’s #1 priority, but lets face it, times are hard and everyone is looking for a bargain. I kept that in mind while searching out items. Kids 2 Go has items for every family budget.
Which one would you say is your personal favorite and why?
I have to say that the Eddie Bauer convertible car seats are my favorite. My 3-year-old has been in one since he was 8 months old. Those seats really hold up! They have the 5 point harness system with a 3 position recline, so you can use it rear facing for your infant and forward facing for your toddler. Completely machine washable, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Best of all they “grow” with your child. Convertible Car Seats can safely hold a child 5-45 lbs.
What are some of the other things you have reviewed?
We also have quite a few strollers on the site. Strollers are wonderful little inventions for busy moms. They make it so easy and convenient to take your child out and about and let your hands do what they want instead of holding your child and the diaper bag. There are several different kinds of strollers. There are the big ones made for an infant that come with a travel system. These are nice because the infant car seat can snap right into it so you won’t have to wake the baby to move him. Those strollers can stay with your child until about 35 lbs. Then there are the umbrella strollers for older children. They basically give your child somewhere to sit while you do all the moving. We also have double strollers for twins or for a mom with a brand new baby and a small older child.
How long did it take for you to build your website from idea to launch?
Kids 2 Go was created at the end of July this year and was live on the Internet at the beginning of October. I put many long hours and spent many sleepless nights on this website. I am very proud of what was accomplished. Not bad for a dental assistant from Northern Utah, huh?
What goals do you still hope to accomplish before you reach your first anniversary? What are your long term goals?
I hope to be a household name by the first anniversary of Kids 2 Go. I would really like to help take some of the financial burden off of my husband’s shoulders. He is an amazing husband and father, and literally works himself to exhaustion trying to provide for his family. He is in construction, and I’m sure you know how well that seems to be going.
As far as long term goals go, I would love to be able to pay off my mortgage and vehicles and take my husband on a long overdue vacation. I know these may not seem like huge, life altering goals to some people, but I would like to see my husband smile and be happy, knowing that he doesn’t have to do it all by himself.
What are some of the lessons that your website has taught you?
I really never thought that putting together a website would really teach me anything, except how to use my new computer. But what I learned is that anyone can do this. You don’t have to be a genius or some crazy computer hacker to make money online. You just need a little instruction from some good people and a little bit confidence. Mix that with some late nights and hard work, and you’ve got yourself an online business!