Peter Clark asked:


Do you have a new baby and you're thinking of buying a stroller? A baby stroller is a great idea,and makes taking baby out a breeze.

Modern baby strollers are manufactured with convenience in mind. Especially for parents of multiple babies, convenience is very important. After all you don't want to find that it takes you half an hour to get baby and his or her stroller in the car before you even leave home, then another half hour to get the stroller out of the car and set up, and baby strapped in and ready to go.

What you need is ease of use of a stroller for the parents and comfort for the baby sitting in it. Modern baby strollers provide both.

And you don't want to pay the earth either. If you know where to find them you can buy strollers for extremely competitive prices. I've just been browsing some cheap triple strollers for around $200 brand new. That's a top price for a triple stroller - if you know where to find them.

And modern strollers have some great features. They have larger wheels than in the past, so you can use them on uneven ground, they have comfortable reclining seats so baby can sit up or recline and sleep, foot rests that can be adjusted as baby gets older. And you should get storage baskets for your shopping.

But when you're buying a stroller you need to think of a few things. In the past babies have hurt themselves when in a stroller, particularly when trying to stand up, so you need a stroller that prevents baby from standing up.

There are formal standards for strollers in many countries that they must meet before being sold. Here's a few things you ought to look for in a stroller.

Make sure that the stroller has a good adjustable harness, preferably a 5 point harness. And it needs solid brakes that can hold a fully laden stroller on a real hill. Look for foot operated brakes and brakes where one foot action applies all the brakes.

Front wheels should swivel but be capable of locking if needed.

And NEVER leave a baby on it's own in the stroller unattended, even if strapped in properly. Don't stop the stroller without applying the brake even of flat ground, and if parking on a hill park across the hill rather than down it. Preferably don't park on a hill. And don't attach a dog lead to the stroller as you may look away and find your dog, and stroller, and baby, have taken off.

There's some tips on buying and using a stroller. If you're looking for some hot prices on cheap strollers head over to my website.



Jayson

angela martinez asked:


Children should ride rear-facing in a car seat until they reach at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. Parents are tempted to turn the car seat around, before the child is old enough, because it is difficult to see the child when they are rear facing. The baby would rather be turned around also, so they can see Mom and Dad. You must resist doing this, because it is not safe. Your babies neck is just simply not strong enough to take the force that is caused by a car accident. So as hard as it is, these guidlines must be followed.

Different Rear Facing Car Seats

There are 2 kinds of rear-facing car seats. There are infant-only seats and convertible seats. Infant car seats are small and have a handle for carrying the seat. Many of these come with a stroller system that the seat can snap into. Infant car seats can not be installed front-facing. Infant car seats can only be used for up to 22 to 30 pounds depending on the seat. Each manufacture is different, so be sure to check their specifications. They are more commonly used for infants, because they can be used as a carrier also. The baby can be set in them in the grocery store, doctors office or where ever you go. Make sure to keep your baby strapped in at all times, to prevent them from slipping out.

Many infant car seats come with a base for the car. You attach the base in the car and then you can just pop the car seat into it. This is nice because you don't have to mess with the seat belts every time you put your baby in the car. You have the option to buy extra bases to use if you have multiple cars. Some car seats can be put in with or without the base. That might be something you'll want to look for. Then if you ride with someone else you won't have to move the base out of your car to use in another car.

Convertible car seats can be used rear-facing until the baby is old enough and then they can be turned around. This saved you money, because you can use the seat longer. These can be used for a couple of years depending on the size of the child. They take up more room and are not meant to be taken in and out of the car. They are rated to be used rear-facing for higher height and weight, so they are great for babies that are bigger or taller.

Types of Harnesses

The 5-point harness is the most secure. They attach on both sides of the babies shoulders and the hips. And then between the legs. These are used in infant only car seats and in convertible car seats.

The T-harness is a padded t-shaped or triangle-shaped shield attached at both shoulders and then between the legs. It would be considered a 3-point harness. These are used in infant only car seats and in convertible carseats.

The overhead shield has a padded tray-like shield that comes over the child's head and rests in front of the baby. This one only applies to the convertible car seat.

Installation

Always make sure the car seat is tightly installed. The harness should fit snugly around your baby. Never use a car seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger air bag. If it inflates, it will cause serious injury to your baby or even death. Check the harness slots. They should be at or below your babies shoulders. If the seat belts in your car require locking clips, then make sure you use them. All car safety seats should come with locking clips. Check your vehicle manual. Most newer cars do not need locking clips. If you are using a convertible seat in the rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is routed through the correct belt path. Read the instructions that came with the car safety seat to be sure. If your vehicle was made after 2002, it may come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car safety seats. Make sure the seat is at the correct angle so your infant’s head does not flop forward. Many seats have angle indicators or adjusters that can help prevent this. If your seat does not have an angle adjuster, tilt the car safety seat back by putting a rolled towel or other firm padding (such as a pool noodle) under the base near the point where the back and bottom of the vehicle seat meet.

Always use the instruction manual that is provided with the car seat. It is the safety of your that is at hand, so make sure you use the car seat the proper way that it was intended.



Lily

Levi Quinn asked:


Parents with infants often worry about the safety of their infant babies each time they go out with them. Prior to buying a seat for their infant baby, the first thing a parent should do is to conduct a through research. The research should cover things like the age of their baby, the size of the baby and the weight of the baby. When conducting the research, the parent should have all the statistics related to the baby in front of them so that they can keep referring to them every so often. A parent can conduct their research on the internet as there are quite a number of sites that have information regarding infant car seats. Selecting the best car for one's infant bay is not a light decision and hence one should take their time. Choosing the first car seat that comes across one's way can be extremely dangerous.

The purpose of buying a car seat will be defeated if a parent buys a seat that does not fit their infant. When finding the best infant car seat for their baby the parent should look for one that fits their baby. A parent should not waste their time on a car seat if it is not easy to install in the car. If one looks for a car seat that is easy to install they will use it correctly and prevent their infant from falling off and getting hurt. Parents should buy car seats they can get to know within a short time and that they can work with in difficult circumstances like when they are in the dark or when it is raining heavily. It is advisable to choose a seat that comes with extra features as it will help the parent fit their infant into the seat within a short time.

Cost is another important factor to consider when finding a car seat for an infant baby. Most seats that are sold at cheap prices do not have the extra features earlier mentioned and hence give parents a difficult time. This however does not mean that all cheap infant seats are not good. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) are the best to use instead of shoulder straps. LATCH do not need constant re-adjustment and often give safer installations. Choosing a seat that fits the baby exceptionally well is pointless if it does not fit in the car. Parents should always go for car seats that fit in their car so as not to endanger their infant's life or to make their infants uncomfortable. A good infant car seat should come with a harness of five points. This is because small babies need to be restrained well in their seats. The adjustment of the car seat should be easy to reach if a parent comes across a seat that does not have accessible seatbelt adjustment they should not buy it. In the same vein, parents should also avoid seats that need require them to fasten the belts at the back.



Carl

Craig Thornburrow asked:


Baby car seats are very important to the safety of your child while he/she is travelling in a vehicle.  All newer car seats meet all the safety regulations that have been established nationally.  The correct installation and the correct seat can be the difference between injury and no injury should you become involved in a crash.  Many fire departments and police departments offer clinics to teach you how to correctly install your seats and to ensure that they are correctly installed.  All types of car seats should be installed in the backseat.  The front seat is deadly if your car has a passenger airbag.  There are several types of car seats available – infant car seats, convertible car seats, forward facing toddler seats, and booster seats.

Infant car seats are seats that are designed for infants usually from 5 pounds up to between 22 and 30 pounds (depending on the model).  These seats should always be rear facing as this is the safest position for your baby.  Many infant car seats have bases that latch into the vehicle which allows the actual seat to act as a carrier and to snap in and out of the base.  This will keep you from having to "install" the seat every time you get into the vehicle.  Your infant should remain in the rear facing position until he/she is one year old and 20 pounds.  Both criteria should be met before placing your child in a forward facing seat.

Convertible car seats are car seats that work in both the rear facing and forward facing positions.   This type of car seat is installed in the vehicle in a rear facing position fully reclined until the baby reaches one year and 20 pounds.  At that time, the car seat can be turned around and installed in a forward facing position.  These car seats have a five point harness (or a T-shield or a tray shield) and can be used for children up to age 4 and 40 pounds (some models allow for a heavier 4 year old and go up to 80 pounds).  Many models offer the ability to remove the 5 point harness and install the seat as a belt positioning booster seat. 

A forward facing toddler seat is a car seat that is designed for children age 1 to age 4 ranging in weight from 20 pounds to 40 pounds or more depending on the model.  This is the next step in car seats after the infant car seat.  Many of these types of seats also convert into a booster seat.

Booster seats are designed to ensure the seatbelts in your vehicle fit your child.  The seats are for children from age 4 and 40 pounds.  There are high back and backless styles available.  Any toddler or convertible car seat is going to convert to a high back.  A backless style sits in the seat under the child and raises the child to the appropriate height for the belt. It is imperative that your child sits in a baby car seat, make sure you are using the right one.



Heath

Nick Nikolis asked:

Traveling with your kids can be a cherished experience or a horrifying nightmare. Children must always be entertained; you cannot expect them to remain quiet at all times without planning and having something resourceful to keep their minds occupied. The minds of children need to be nurtured and molded.

Always remember to bring the bare essentials when traveling. You will encounter a plethora of public restrooms that may not live up to your hygiene requirements while on the road or in the air. There is nothing like the feeling of using a public restroom and thinking of picking up a million germs upon exiting; or even settling down at a restaurant table that does not appear to be as clean as it should.

1. Portable hand sanitizers are a definite godsend! Children sometimes forget to wash their hands, especially if they are really hungry and ready for that quick snack. Packing sanitizer will eliminate a few of your worries for that eight hour drive or sixteen hour flight.

2. Baby Wipes are another blessing to the family of travelers. Be sure to bring regular and antibacterial baby wipes. Upon entering a restaurant; you may find the table may not be as clean as you would like it to be. Time to break out the hand sanitizer and baby wipes and thoroughly clean; so you can obtain some peace of mind while eating a family meal on the road. Baby wipes are great for cleaning hands, toilet seats, bathroom faucets and hand dryers, any place you know that harbor deadly germs and viruses.

3. If you are flying to your destination; be sure to choose an airline that has a children's menu. Children will love the fact that they are able to eat their favorite foods such as pizza, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese and Chef Boyardee ravioli or lasagna! They even include stickers and coloring books to keep your child's mind occupied; making their traveling experience even more enjoyable.

4. Bringing your child's favorite toys along is a most valuable asset you can possibly think of when traveling. Be sure to pack items that will hold your child's attention such as portable art supply kits with paper, crayons, colored pencils or magic markers. Experiment with brand new toys in case they happen to become bored with the current toys they have at home. This little trick will surprise and charm them; adding many more hours of capturing and holding their attention.

5. In our wonderful age of technology, we are indeed blessed with mp3 players; Nintendo Gameboys and portable Playstations. It is wise to bring a few of their games and a possibly add a few new ones to occupy them while on the plane or in the car on that long road trip. Mp3 players hold a plethora of different tunes to occupy and break up the monotony of traveling.

6. If you have planned a road trip; it is a wise choice indeed to make a few enjoyable pit stops along the way. This allows the whole family to get out and stretch their legs for a bit; plus enjoying a new and exciting sight or activity. You may know of a nice antique store or even a children's restaurant such as Chuck E Cheese; be sure to thoroughly plan and work it into your schedule; you may find you will spend a few hours in this place.

7. Perhaps you have a long plane trip have a young infant or toddler; definitely bring a car seat; as the airlines do not supply them. You will find your trip overwhelming and tiring if you have to travel for two to sixteen hours holding an infant or toddler with little or no sleep. Also, think of the safety factor involved. Unfortunately current U.S. laws do not require children in airplanes to be placed in car seats. You do not travel in a car while holding your infant or toddler, so why would you do this on a plane?

8. Once you have landed; jetlag will most definitely set in; which is twice as bad for children as it is for adults. Be sure to supply your children with plenty of bottled water and fruit juices. Everyone may possibly be ready for a small meal and a nap. Once everyone has taken their time and rested up; it is now time to venture out and enjoy the sights.

Jadyn