Travel Baby

Have you ever been in public and seen some poor parent or grandparent struggling to open a massive stroller? These “one handed” operations usually require several hands to open and close, which is not always possible when you have a squirming infant or toddler to deal with as well. Convenience strollers provide an alternative to parents or grandparents who want a stroller but do not want to have to deal with the size and hassle of the larger strollers that come with baby travel systems.

Convenience strollers are lightweight strollers that fold up easily to stash in your car’s trunk. They are more durable and comfortable than umbrella strollers, but less bulky than the single stroller that comes with a baby travel system. They typically forgo the luxuries like parent cup holders or huge under-carriage baskets. They do have conveniences, such as a cup holder for the child or a small basket for carrying necessary items, but the main goal of the stroller is to be compact, comfortable, and convenient to use.

Convenience strollers do not attach to infant carriers, so many parents wait to use them until the child is able to sit up on his own. However, many of these lightweight strollers do recline fully, so infants can use them comfortably, just not with the infant carrier.

Whenever you purchase a stroller, whether it be a normal sized stroller or a convenience stroller, you need to be concerned with safety. If you plan to use the stroller with a baby, not a toddler, you need a 5-point safety harness restraint system to keep your baby where she needs to be. Always check the weight guidelines on a stroller before using it to make sure that your baby fits properly. Stability can also be a concern. Some types of lightweight strollers, such as umbrella strollers, can tip easily. Convenience strollers tend to have sturdy wheels and strong suspension systems to add stability for your baby. Finally, locking wheels will protect your baby from rolling away when you park the stroller, so this is an important safety feature.

If you have decided that convenience strollers fit your lifestyle well, there are some features you may wish to look for as you shop. First, look for a stroller that has adjustable handles. This will ensure that the stroller is comfortable for all of the adults that may be using it, no matter how different they are in height. Next, look for a stroller with a sunshade. This will protect your baby’s delicate head if you are out on a sunny day.

You will also want to note the age that the stroller’s manufacturer says you can safely begin using the stroller. Some are not safe to use until a baby is six months old, so make sure you check this if you intend to use the stroller with a young infant. Finally, consider the storage options you need. Do you need and under-the-seat basket? You can find convenience strollers with this feature. What about a cup holder for your child? This is also available, but not all models have it.

Convenience strollers help fill the gap between the larger single strollers which are heavy and sometimes difficult to store and the much smaller umbrella strollers which are very limited in features and capabilities.

By: David Cummings

Car seats are mandatory baby equipment. I know that you’ll be tempted to cuddle your little bundle in your arms while driving, but please don’t! It’s just too dangerous and besides that, against the law.

Here are seven tips to buying a quality car seat for your child…

1. Buy a quality car seat. Make sure that the seal of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety is present on it. Make sure it’s constructed well with no sharp edges or loose parts.

2. Look for a car seat with travel system. The seat, infant carrier and stroller are all part of one convenient unit.

3. Make sue that you check for safety recalls. There are many safety recalls on car seats yearly. You don’t want to purchase one of those!

4. Choose cloth. It is generally more easily cleaned and is more comfortable.

5. Be positive that you choose the correct size. A small baby could slip out of a seat that is too large for him. It’s important that tiny babies under 20 pounds ride only in rear-facing seat. Only after the child is over 20 pounds should he be switched to front-facing seat.

6. Choose a car seat that has been given good reviews by other parents. Many online stores allow people to post reviews about their purchases. Why not check these out to see what other parents have to say?

7. Don’t use a used car seat unless you are able to borrow it and try it first. You want to make very sure that the parts are still functioning well, so your baby will be safe.

Proper child restraints are important. You don’t want to find that out the hard way.

By: Kristi Sayles