Proper Selection of a Baby Stroller

There are a lot of factors that need to be considered when purchasing a baby stroller. Baby strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and the selection process can sometimes be overwhelming. It is always best to conduct thorough research into each and every aspect of the stroller you plan on purchasing. Put the same effort into this process as you would when purchasing a child seat or crib. Just remember that you will be transporting your baby in the selected stroller and you want to ensure that everything is in working order, including the safety harness and straps.

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a baby stroller are its safety features. Manufacturers put a lot of effort into ensuring that their strollers meet or exceed recommended safety levels, however each manufacturer is different, which in turn makes their products different. It’s a fact that there are many baby strollers on the market today that have better safety equipment than others. It is recommended that when you are shopping for a baby stroller that you don’t exclude important safety features in order to save money. Some of the most important safety features include an adequate brake and a 5-point safety harness with crotch strap.

Some of the other features to consider are items such as adjustable handles, since there will more than likely be more than one person pushing the stroller, washable fabric and folding size for proper storage of the stroller. As far as storing the stroller goes, look for a stroller that folds easily and compactly for easy transporting to and from the car. Another thing to consider is storage room on the stroller itself for carrying items such as a diaper bag, extra clothes and formula.

Active parents may also want to consider another alternative to the standard stroller – the jogging stroller. This particular style of stroller is a great alternative for the active parent trying to stay in shape while still spending quality time with their child. Jogging strollers are not recommended for infants and do not have the storage capabilities of the standard models.

Purchase a stroller that fits your style and personality, but don’t sacrifice safety for looks. Look for a stroller that fits your budget nicely and opt for a newer model if at all possible. Also, writing down the criteria will help you in your research to find that perfect baby stroller.

Perfect Strollers for Shopping with your Baby

Love to shop? Whether you just love to take long walks and window-shop, or whether you expect to come home loaded down with bags and boxes, there’s a stroller for you out there—one that can keep Baby happy and comfortable while you upgrade your spring wardrobe or find the perfect ingredients for dinner.

Baby First, of Course

Any shopping trip is much more delightful if you keep one simple rule in mind: a happy baby is a baby who won’t pitch a screaming fit and send you fleeing from the store. A stroller that can recline for sleeping, such as the Chicco Cortina, is key. A travel system with a good car seat, such as the Graco Passage and SnugRide car seat, is an excellent choice for the youngest babies.

New mothers are often pleasantly surprised by this golden period when Baby might actually sleep through an entire shopping trip. Older babies are kept amused by novelty; having some toys that are exclusively used for shopping trips might be a wise idea. It’s also important to keep snacks on hand, but avoid having your baby actually snack in the store itself; that’s a fast track to making yourself an unpopular customer.

Don’t Be a Basket Case

Some strollers offer roomy, accessible storage; others are designed so that you’d be hard pressed to stash a couple of diapers somewhere, let alone any purchases. Look for a stroller with a large basket under the seat, preferably one that can be accessed easily. After all, if you can’t reach the basket, it’s not doing you any good. The UPPA Baby Vista and the Safety 1^st Acella Sport Travel System are good examples. It’s generally a bad idea to hang bags off of the handles (especially with lightweight strollers, this can lead to injury). Some strollers, however, are designed so that you can hang a diaper bag off the back, saving you storage space elsewhere; pay close attention to manufacturer recommendations on this.

If you can walk to your local grocery store, you’ll find that a stroller with a good shopping basket can substitute for an actual cart for small shopping trips. If you plan to use it at the mall, the under-seat basket can hold a bag or two, making further browsing more convenient.

Turn, Turn, Turn

Some stores are very stroller-friendly, of course; most strollers have no trouble in the wide aisles at Costco or your local grocery store. But if you’re a boutique shopper or someone who likes to browse the shops on Commercial Drive, you’ll want a stroller that is lightweight, easy to maneuver with one hand, and collapsible so that you can keep it in your car trunk or navigate the subway easily when you head downtown. Maclaren’s umbrella strollers are a good bet; another excellent choice is a smaller jogging stroller, such as Baby Jogger’s City Mini.

Having a good stroller while shopping makes it much easier to keep Baby happy and engaged. For babies, even a trip to the grocery store can be a dazzling new world. Sometimes Baby will be content just to take in the scenery, but it’s also fun to engage and entertain your little sidekick while you shop. After all, she won’t tell you that those jeans make you look fat—what more could you ask for?

Choosing Books for Infants & Toddlers

Reading with little ones is so important! It starts building an important foundation for reading skills and academic success. Reading to children helps them:

* Learn to read
* Increase their vocabulary
* Improve Reading Comprehension
* Improve reading ability
* Strengthen their relationship with you

And it’s fun to read together!

So what kinds of children’s books will appeal to your baby or toddler? First, you should understand a little about their development.

If you have a baby or toddler, I don’t need to tell you that they are always busy! They love to be active and push and pull things.

Toddlers’ language abilities are also developing, and they gather their knowledge through sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Everything eventually goes in the mouth!

Toddlers also understand a lot more than they can tell you! They enjoy repetition. But they have a short attention span!

As you are choosing books look for…

* Brightly colored simple objects
* Simple texts and good rhythms
* Wordless books to encourage story-creation
* Textures to touch
* Flaps to lift
* Noise makers (bells, crinkly fabric, etc.)
* Indestructible cloth and board books

As you read the books with your child, you are helping them develop an awareness of the basics of reading. As you read to your children try the following ideas.

* Point to the words with your finger. This helps them learn what words look like.
* Move your finger left to right under the words. This helps them learn that we read left to right.
* Let them turn the pages. This will reinforce the left to right concept.
* Read alphabet books together. Emphasize the sounds the letters make.
* Read books with rhymes. This helps develop the awareness that sounds make up words.

By choosing good quality children’s books for your special baby or toddler, you are embarking on the beginning of a wonderful journey together. Enjoy it!

Choosing a Stroller – Part ll

Picking up where we left off in the previous post…

There are many types of strollers on the market such as the traditional pram type, which has wheels that do not swivel and can make maneuverability difficult at times. Other types of strollers include the basic umbrella stroller all the way up to models that have plush seat covers, special wheels and a big price. Travel systems have a detachable seat that is attached to a base that stays in your car or become an infant carrier and back to a stroller. You can purchase an inset head padding that will prevent your baby’s head from rolling around and some strollers as well as car seats have them included when you purchase them.

Multiple rider strollers have most of the same features as single strollers the primary consideration however is the weight of the frame. Some of the multiple rider strollers can be heavy so you might want to check that out. The basic umbrella stroller is good to throw in the car for short trips to the mall or a long walk. They are easy to use however they will topple if something is put on the handles. It is very light weight. They could also be advantageous to have as a back up or when space is limited.

Multiple rider strollers have a number of different seating arrangements. Tandem seating refers to one child sitting behind the other. Stadium seating is tandem style but with the rear seat being slightly higher so both children can see. Double strollers can have seats in the tandem and stadium style or they can have seats where the children face each other.

Jogging strollers are available and also come as single strollers or multiple rider strollers. The wheelbase is different; it is triangular with two wheels in the back and one larger wheel in the front. They have a 5-point restraint system and some have storage baskets by not a lot. They also have a wrist brake which is a strap attached to the frame that fits around the wrist of the parent so that if you are stopped will prevent the stroller from accidentally rolling away.

There are many brands of strollers. Some the names are McClaren, Bugaboo, Peg Perego, Schwinn, Baby Trend, and Evenflo. I believe Cosco also makes strollers. Strollers can be purchased online, in specialty and retail stores, as well as at consignment shops or garage sales. You will want to check the frame for any signs of wear or gaps. Check all the belts, straps, and buckles to make sure they work and are easy to use. You don’t however, want it to be so easy that your baby can manipulate it and get out of the stroller on his own. Make sure the brakes work properly. Choose your stroller wisely, your baby deserves a safe comfortable ride.

Top Ten Tips for Travelling With Your Baby

For many parents the idea of traveling with an infant or toddler can be overwhelming to say the least. The amount of necessary items for the comfort and safety of a child must always be considered before you go. One of the most common dilemma’s when flying with a child is whether or not to bring along your baby stroller.

A baby stroller can be a big help on a trip that will entail a good deal of walking or transporting a young child. However, be sure to remember to check out whether or not your destination will be stroller-friendly along the way.

Here are 10 tips for flying with a baby stroller.

1. Make an educated decision about bringing a baby stroller. First check with your airline for their policies on bringing along a baby stroller. This may determine whether or not you will consider it a hassle or an asset for your trip.

2. Know the area you will be walking around. Consider the terrain, the width of the aisles and doorways as well as the amount of stairs you may be subject to climb. Pushing a stroller on a bumpy stone path or transporting it between subway rides may well be more difficult than simply carrying your child.

3. Before you even get to the airport be sure to properly label your stroller (on the handle bar or side bars) with a permanent marker or paper label. Write down your contact information, destination and flight information. You will be given a tag when you check your stroller but it is better to use BOTH to insure you get your stroller back once you have landed.

4. Have a Plan B for those times when you will need to leave your stroller outside or in the trunk. For babies that weigh no more than 20/30 lbs. keeping a baby carrier, sling or backpack is a good second option. For older children who can walk themselves, consider a harness to keep them tied to you in crowds and strange places. If you do not like the idea of a harness for your child just be sure to start explaining to them a little each day about the importance of staying next to you or other caregivers when you are in a different place. They should understand who it is safe to talk to and give them something that has your contact information to wear when you are out in public.

O.K. Now you are ready to head to the airport!

5. It will be easiest to employ your stroller throughout the airport and just check it at the gate of the plane. Most airlines will let you stroll right on up to the gate of the plane before having to check it in.

6. If you would like to count your stroller with your luggage at check-in be sure to find out if you will be charged an extra fee. Some airlines do not count a baby stroller as a part of the luggage you are allowed to bring on and may have a rate that you do not want to pay.

7. If you are loading at the gate you will be asked to remove your child yourself and fold the stroller down to be stored. (It is nice to have a helping hand available to hold your child(ren) during this part.) Bringing duct tape is a good idea if your stroller isn’t compact enough to store in the overhead compartment on the plane. Simply tape the sides of the stroller shut tightly or wrap the stroller entirely around it’s center. This will help to keep it closed while it is being loaded and unloaded into the cargo area therefore minimizing possible damage.

8. Your stroller will then be tagged and given a corresponding receipt that you will need to hold on to, in order to retrieve your stroller once you land.

9. Be sure to confirm with the attendant at the gate check where you will pick up your stroller upon landing. Most airlines will return your stroller at the gate as you exit but it could be sent along with the other luggage to the baggage claim.

10. Upon your exit present your receipt to claim your stroller or head to the baggage claim to retrieve it there. Remember to take advantage of your stroller and load it down with whatever baggage you can to alleviate the strain on your arms and shoulders.

It is important to note that if you are bringing a light umbrella stroller that can be folded compactly enough to fit into your overhead carrier (find out the dimensions from the airline) you will not need to gate check your stroller. Simply fold it and carry it to your seat. There are certain things you may want to consider before choosing between your lightweight,.standard stroller and your heavier, fancier stroller. Here is a list of pro’s and con’s for both.

Basic Umbrella Stroller- Between 10-13 lbs.

Pro’s:

* Compact, easy to fold and store.
* Lightweight and easier to carry if you have to.
* Can likely be stored in overhead of airplane so there is less opportunity for damage during the flight.
* Cheaper to replace should you have any damage.
* Easier fit through standard doorways, aisles, sidewalks and stairs.

Con’s:

* Not much storage to hold bags, or toys or anything acquired during an outing.
* Not as easily maneuvered on rocky or difficult roads or terrain.

The BIG Stroller- The One With All the Fixin’s!

Pro’s:

* Good amount of storage for diaper bags, purses and shopping bags.
* Usually has a canopy and plenty of accessories to entertain and protect from the sun or rain.
* Much easier to maneuver due to the bigger wheels and design.
* May be compatible with the car seat you are using or renting, therefore making a complete travel system.

Con’s:

* Takes up more space in trunks on sidewalks or buses.
* Heavier to carry.
* Needs to be stored with luggage on plane.

Based on this list you should pick the stroller that you feel will serve you and your child the best. There is nothing like having a stroller to help out when it comes to toting your children. A stroller is the next most important item to the crib when it comes to having a baby.

Heart 2 Heart Baby Carriers

Heart 2 Heart Baby Carriers – soothing to baby, 10 GREAT positions. Great baby carrier for dads and moms!

My son is 8 months old and absolutely loves being in the Heart 2 Heart carrier. This side baby carrier is designed to be a comfort to mother and baby. I love the Heart 2 Heart carrier because…

• it can be used when baby is a newborn all the way up to a toddler. The maximum recommended weight is 40 pounds.
• my baby hardly ever cries when he is in the Heart 2 Heart carrier
• its a great baby sling for dads. Dads are particularly fond of the baby slings, as it allows dad to spend intimate time with baby!
• I use the Heart 2 Heart carrier when my baby is crying and he almost always stops crying when I put him into the sling
• the sling makes it easy to hold baby, and I find that the more babies are held the more content they are and the less they cry
• it makes me happy because I know that babies love to be close and feel the security of a parent or caregiver. The Heart 2 Heart carrier really allows this closeness, while allowing for your comfort at the same time.
• I breast feed my baby. The Heart 2 Heart makes it easy to breastfeed anywhere and I can do it with confidence knowing that the sling is providing me and my boy with privacy. In fact, because the sling has such a generous amount of fabric in the “hammock” where the baby is held it is very easy to breastfeed on both sides just by moving baby from one side to another without having to take him out of the sling. How easy is that?
• the Heart 2 Heart sling is truly hands free. When I want to get things done around the house I face my baby outwards so that he can see what is going on while I get things done around the house. When I want baby to ‘settle down’ and I change his position so that he is snug up against me. He settles down and I am still able to accomplish tasks around the house, like writing this article.
• it makes it easy when traveling. For example, on an airplane during take off I just secure him snuggly to me. I feel better and I know that he does too.

Choosing a Stroller – Part I

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your life and one of the items you are considering is a stroller. Strollers come in various styles, features and brands. If you have a newborn you want to be sure the seat fully reclines so your newborn can lie flat. Consider what strollers will need assembly once you purchase it. The restraint system on most strollers is the 5 point restraint; two at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one at the crotch. Be sure to use the restraint system as recommended by the manufacturer for your baby’s safety.

You can go through any department store or look in any catalog and can be overwhelmed by all the available choices. You must take into account your  personal preferences and the next is your budget. What price range can you afford? They can run anywhere from $30.00 to over $300.00 or more. How are you going to use your stroller? Is it just for around town or walking in the mall or do you plan to go off-road with it? If it’s just walking around town or the mall a traditional type stroller will work well for you.

The same stroller will not work well if you are taking your child off-roading with you. They have strollers with special wheels to allow you take your baby almost anywhere.

Speaking of wheels, you will want to check the wheels and make sure they move well, as this is important in maneuvering turns. Maneuverability is also important if you want to give your child a relatively smooth ride. It is also preferred that the wheels are attached to an axle. It provides more stability.

The construction of the frame is also very important if for nothing else, your child’s safety and comfort. Is the frame all one piece? There are some brands that do make their frames in one piece; there are no gaps or rough edges that could let your child get his hands stuck in or cut on the rough edges. In other types of frames you will want to check this out and see if you can do it before you purchase it.

When considering the style of your stroller think about the color of the fabric, the types of canopies, attachments to the stroller such as rain/wind covers, sun covers, and netting to prevent bugs from bothering your child. Some models of strollers have detachable leg support/foot rests.

What kind of features are you looking for? When I was looking for a stroller cost was a factor but my main complaint was that the handlebars were not high enough. Now however, strollers come with height adjustable handles so the parent can be comfortable. It’s amazing to me how much strollers have changed. Canopies now come with viewing windows so that you can keep an eye on your little one. Many strollers have a bar in front of the baby to prevent falling out of his seat others, though have trays where your child can put a sipper cup or bottle and an inset where he can put a snack or some toys. A very important suggestion, get some small toys you can attach to the stroller, otherwise be prepared to play ’step and fetch it’ with your child. There is also a parent tray that is detachable. It has a place for a cup of coffee or a bottle of water, a place to put your keys and your cell phone. An under the seat storage basket is available on most models allowing you to put the diaper bag under the seat. Hanging things on the handlebars will make the stroller top heavy and it could tip risking injury to your child. The seat padding on most strollers is removable for washing.

Buckling Up, Even in a Stroller

One young Attleboro mother apparently took the time to strap her baby boy into his stroller in such a way that when a car struck the pair last week in Attleboro, he remained snug as his seat rolled over a couple of times.

Stacy Wetherell and her baby, who is a year old, were treated at hospitals and released. Jacob, officials said, suffered cuts to his cheek.

Who knows what could have happened had Ms. Wetherell not, prior to the outing, bent over her baby, tucking and buckling, just so.The outcome sets an example for other parents. Sometimes a walk on a pretty day can be shattered by the unexpected. Attention to detail is critical.Education on child seat safety usually focuses on cars. Consumer Reports last week had to admit, red-faced, that its alerts on reliability of certain models may have been in error and re-testing is slated.