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

Nicky Meintjies asked:

Traveling is fun and parents think that they have to give it up when they have a baby of their own. This is not the case. All you need is a nice travel stroller and that is where we come in. Let us help you find that travel stroller for your future family adventures.

There are many things to look for with travel strollers. Many people are looking at travel stroller systems which make it much easier on you, the parent. These are strollers that have an attachable car seat so that you are prepared for it all no matter which way you travel.

So, how do you go about finding one? Here are a few things that you need to check out first.

Folding for Easy Transportation

The first thing that you'll want to check out on a travel stroller is how it folds up. If it doesn't fold up easily then you don't want it. Trust me on this one. Most travel strollers have three ways in which a company will manufacture the stroller so that it does fold. It will either fold down and the wheels then stay on the ground, wheels fold together and the other parts of the stroller fold in towards you, and last, wheels come up in the air and the seat folds down. Out of these methods, the best is the second method. It doesn't get as messy and you don't have to do a bunch of lifting to get it in a trunk.

Focus on Functionality

Next, make sure that you look at all the functions and the snaps. If it's not that easy to snap then you don't want it. Some of them seem to not have enough snaps. Some trick you into thinking that you have snapped them, but they haven't fully locked which is extremely dangerous. One other function to look at is a place to store your valuables. Some of them are where the child can get to them and are out of your sight.

The next thing you look at is the weight. Some strollers are light and convenient that you can do everything one handed. You don't want something that weighs a lot when you travel. That is just extra weight that you don't need. There might be areas that you can't use a stroller and you'll have to carry it. How much are you willing to carry besides the load of the infant? Many parents will say not much.

Different Models

There are a few different models that you can try. The first is the Maclaren Volo which is wonderful to use. Under the basket is a parent gear. It also has a sturdy frame and is very light weight. Another model is Combi Savvy Soho which has a moveable guardrail, machine washable cushion which is always a plus, and some come with a matching bag. Next, is the Zooper Waltz which is compatible with some infant car seats, comes with a rain shield, and a winter boot.

Those are just a few to name that are really light weight. Now, traveling can be fun.

Patricia

Danny Wright asked:


You just found out your pregnant and you are ready to go shopping. Since you are going to be an on the go mom a baby stroller might be one of the things you want to invest in first. There are so many choices out there in styles and colors that having a little bit of an idea what you want in a baby stroller before you go can be helpful. Otherwise you may go out shopping and be overwhelmed and end up spending too much money.

Looking at strollers online is usually a good way to start shopping. This way you are able to compare many different brands and prices in less time rather than driving all over town. More than likely if you are on the go all the time you are actually going to need more than one baby stroller in your baby’s first three years of their life. The first baby stroller is a systems stroller.

It might sound funny to have a system for your baby stroller but by buying this type of stroller you will be saving money. This type of baby stroller will also be used as a car seat, a carrier and a baby stroller. This is 3 in 1 and saves a lot of money and time. You will not have to keep changing your baby in and out of car seats and carriers. This is less exposure to the baby and the weather as well. These baby strollers come in many shapes, sizes and designs to match whatever baby theme you have chosen, but as your baby grows so does their needs in baby strollers.

As your baby grows they will eventually need a bigger car seat, baby stroller and there will be no need for a carrier. Time to upgrade to a full size baby stroller, but again there are many choices to fit your life style. First things first though it will matter just how many babies you are having. If you are having twins the more you will have to have a baby stroller designed for the amount of children you are having. Also if you have an infant already and need a baby stroller for the older child as well as the infant, then you will need to choose a stroller that will work for both children. These are some of the first things that will help you narrow down your choices for your next baby stroller.

Good luck on your shopping spree for your new baby stroller. There is every design, style and color that you need to fit into your lifestyle. Your baby will be ready to go out in style with you in their new baby stroller.



Zaire

Nicky Meintjies asked:


A baby stroller is one of the biggest expenses in having a baby. There is a baffling array of them on the market and there are tricks you will pick up that will make using a baby stroller easier. Together, they are the essential knowledge about baby strollers that every parent needs to know.

Comfort

First, in choosing a stroller, you must get one which both your baby and you will be comfortable with. Nothing is more important than your baby's safety and comfort. That said, to get the right stroller that will suit your needs and last for a while, you also need to consider how easy it is to use and transport and whether it is flexible (for instance transforming into a car seat or carry cot).

If you don't know what you are looking for, and have not considered the factors above, you can spend ages looking for a stroller and never finding what you need. One of the first things you need to think about is whether the stroller is safe and stable. Is it sturdy, even when the baby is moving around in the stroller and it is loaded down with the ever-important diaper bag and perhaps even some shopping?

Harnesses

You need to take a look at the harness system. Children soon grow inquisitive and get to squirming around. A five-point harness system is best for keeping them safe and secure. It also worked well to support the more floppy bodies of infants too.

Handles

Next, have a look at the stroller handles. Does it adjust so people of different heights can push it? You don't want your six foot tall husband to have any excuse to get out of his pushing duties do you?

Necessary Extras

Good strollers will come with a sun canopy and a rain hood. You may have to use the stroller in all weathers so be prepared for that. However, be aware that these accessories can be bought later to add to the stroller so don't necessarily let the lack of one of these features deter you from buying a good value stroller.

One thing you cannot compromise on is whether the stroller folds. It has to! A stroller which won't fit into your car is of no use to you. Preferably, find a stroller that folds with one hand so you can hold your baby at the same time.

Stroller travel systems are great. These incorporate a standard stroller with an infant seat that removes from the frame. That means you won't have to wake up your sleeping baby to get them into the car. Just think of all the tears you'll save. It serves as a standard stroller for older babies.

If you have twins or babies with a small age gap between them you may want a double stroller, but an easier solution may be to clip two single strollers together. That way, you can also use the strollers separately when you want to.

It's really important to try out a stroller before you buy it. Walk normally with it. Walk quickly with it. Make sure it doesn't trip you up. Check that it fits in your car.

Think long-term, too. Children aren't known for being clean. Your stroller will soon get dirty. You should look for one with removable seat covers which are easy to wash.

How much do strollers cost? They can regularly run you about $200-$300. That sounds like a lot, but if you are a busy parent with lots of little ones, that stroller may be a lifesaver!



Alfonso