Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early 1700s? During this time having a stroller meant you enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. Most citizens then used their stroller or 'buggy' to carry around and show off the newest member of their family. While many parents still use a stroller to show off their babies today, you don't have to be a member of the aristocracy to own a stroller. Even better, most of today's strollers are lightweight and convenient to transport from one place to another.

Important Stroller Terms If you plan to buy a stroller in the near future, there are some important stroller terms you should familiarize yourself with. These will help you during the selection process. Some important terms include:

  • Five-point harness ? this is a harness that secures not only at the lap, but also over your child's shoulders. A three-point harness fastens at your child's lap, much like a traditional seat belt would. While both are an important safety feature for any stroller, a five-point harness is considered a safer choice.
  • All terrain wheels ? these wheels, unlike their plastic counterparts, resemble ordinary bike tires. They are normally much lager than traditional stroller tires. Most jogger or exercise strollers have all terrain wheels. Some carriages also have them. They are an excellent choice if you plan to walk or jog your baby over gravel or other less than smooth terrain.
  • Adjustable canopy ? this is the part of a stroller that folds out to protect your baby from the sun and wind. Some are also large enough to protect your baby from the rain. Most umbrella strollers do not come with a canopy. If you plan to buy a jogger stroller, look for one with a large adjustable canopy to shield your child from the wind while running.
  • Hand brake ? this is a brake at the bar of the stroller rather than by one of the wheels. A hand brake is a common feature in most exercise strollers, and comes in handy if you need to suddenly break while running.

Stroller Safety Tips The most important consideration when buying a stroller is safety. You don't want to buy a stroller just because it looks good? you want one that is safe. Fortunately most top of the line models not only looks good but also provides important safety features. Here are just a few considerations when looking for a safe stroller for your baby:

  • Always select a stroller with a durable frame. The base should be wide enough so your baby can't tip the stroller over.
  • Make sure the stroller provides a three or five point harness, and always secure your child in place when riding.
  • Look for a stroller that has a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JPMA for short seal of approval. This means the stroller is pre-inspected and meets the basic safety requirements.
You should never leave a child in a stroller unattended for even a second. You never know when something may go awry. That said, you'll find most stroller provide ample safety and security for your newborn.

Extending The Life Of Your Stroller No one wants to buy a new stroller year after year. Thus when you do get your stroller you want to take some standard precautions to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. First and foremost, make sure you avoid unnecessary rough handling of your stroller. You should fold and unfold your stroller with little jostling. You don't want to leave your stroller outside during inclement weather, as this can contribute to rust and wear and tear.

If you buy a stroller with removable fabric, be sure to wash it occasionally to keep it fresh and new. Be sure if you have a jogger stroller you keep the tires inflated properly. This will help prevent unnecessary leaks or pops in the middle of a run. At some point or another, keep in mind all strollers experience some wear. Like a decent car, over time a stroller may get a bit worn down. The better care you take of your stroller however, the longer it will last you and the more joy you will experience from it year after year.

Ant Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as Baby Carriers, Baby Slings and Baby Car Seats

In The News:


Calling All Babies and Toddlers: It's Time to Savor the Flavors of ...
Market Wire (press release) - 17 hours ago
... pomme bébé's summer menu creates yet another opportunity for busy families to build strong minds and bodies with 100% organic baby and toddler meals. ...

Letter (Web version): TV series with teen caregivers harms babies
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN - 46 minutes ago
The program purports to teach teens how to be parents by having them take care of a baby or toddler for three days. Unfortunately, the program utterly ...

Signs show that babies can be taught simple hand gestures
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States - Jul 7, 2008
The program teaches babies, toddlers and young children to communicate using American Sign Language. This show reaches children by encouraging conversation ...

Welcome to Nashville, Sunday Rose!
My Tennessean.com, TN - 14 hours ago
“Also, the best trick out there that worked wonders with my daughter and all my friends babies is a Fisher Price Infant Toddler Rocker… ...

Your Toddler Might Need a Cholesterol Test
U.S. News & World Report, DC - Jul 7, 2008
In the past, docs worried that babies wouldn't get enough fat, which is critical for brain development, if they didn't drink whole milk. ...

NBC urged to cancel 'Baby Borrowers' due to health, safety concerns
Reality TV World, MA - Jul 7, 2008
"Separating babies and toddlers from their parents for extended periods of time can lead children to feel distress and anxiety," the organization wrote in ...

The Positive Power of "No"
KREN CW 27 TV, NV - Jul 7, 2008
As babies, children raised in a supportive home are the center of the universe. Everything is done for them. In their toddler years, children begin to ...

By: Becka Marsch, Parent Educator, Licensed Baby, Toddler, and ...
Carolina Newswire (press release), NC - Jun 10, 2008
... a baby's intellect, increase self-esteem and happiness, reduce fussiness and temper tantrums, improve problem-solving skills, and help toddlers get ...

How to spend more time with the children
guardian.co.uk, UK - Jul 8, 2008
After spotting an advert in a trade publication, she bought a franchise of Musical Minis - which provides music classes for babies and toddlers - and has ...

The Dominion Post

Giving babies space to grow
The Dominion Post, New Zealand - Jul 7, 2008
Instead, a toddler who is very sure of his newly-learnt walk, greets us with a gummy smile and leads the way to a room with half a dozen mums and babies, ...
babies toddler - Google News

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift!

Here you will learn how to make and where to... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

Under Carpet Heating In The Nursery ? To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night And More!

As new parents, we all want what's best for our... Read More

To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?

Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per... Read More

Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today

Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Swing

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,000 American... Read More

Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child... Read More

Young Child Games-But When Do I Stop Playing Baby Games, You Ask?

As a baby matures and starts to show the first... Read More

Is It Colic, Infant Reflux, Or GERD? Learn How To Tell The Difference

It can sometimes be difficult for a parent to understand... Read More

Naming Ceremonies: Advice for First Time Godparents

Congratulations! It is a great honour your friends have done... Read More

Free Baby Shower Invitations

Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More

Better Health and Happiness for Your Baby

The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More

Strange Facts About Babies And Parenting

Did You Know:Men are officially the best at changing baby!... Read More

Tips for Decorating Your Babys Nursery

Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More

Choose The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

The first thing you should do when trying to choose... Read More

Traveling With Babies

If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both... Read More

When Not To Begin Potty Training

Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

10 Items of the Well-Stocked Diaper Bag

Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More

Baby Jaundice

Around 20% of newborn babies suffer from jaundice. The condition... Read More

Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been... Read More