Poor baby. She spends the first year of her life strapped in a car seat, riding backward, staring at upholstery.

Not a stellar way to start a journey.

But Seattle-based Satsuma Designs has your baby’s back, no matter which way she’s facing.

Its sustainable bamboo velour car seat covers are thermo regulating — which means they keep peepers cool in summer and warm and cozy in winter. Plus, they’re naturally antibacterial (a serious bonus during flu season), reversible, and a cinch to clean (bye-bye crushed-in Cheerios). Not to mention the fact that they’re luxe to the touch.

Which means baby’s face has something soft to rest against.

So she can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Available at Birth and Beyond, 2719 East Madison Street (206-324-4831 or birthandbeyond.com); online at satsumadesigns.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Satsuma Designs

JUDGE
Best Fall Soup Blind Tasting
What: Sample and judge fall recipes created by local chefs with ingredients from Tacoma’s farmers market.
Why: It’s food for the soul.
When: Tues., 4-6 p.m.
Where: Tacoma Farmers Market, Sixth Ave., at Pine St., Tacoma (253-272-7077).

HARVEST
Suncadia Harvest Festival
What: Pony rides, pumpkin patches, and a straw maze, wrapped up in a family-focused weekend getaway at the mountain resort.
Why: Really? Get out of town.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Suncadia, 3600 Suncadia Trl., Cle Elum (509-649-6400).

BOO
Less Scary Haunted House
What: The beloved annual Apple Fest features a gentle haunted house with thrills appropriate for tots.
Why: This spot is a treat.
When: Thru Oct. Sat. & Sun., noon-4:30 p.m.
Where: Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm, 9402 Rich Rd. SE, Olympia (360-491-7328).