|
------
How to choose the perfect stroller
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Winter 2005-06 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Baby is on the way, you need a stroller, and like most parents out there, you find yourself wondering why there so many types and models. Here are some suggestions on how to find your way through the maze every parent is thrown into when shopping for baby stuff.
Classic Beauties
Standard strollers, the ones you find in most stores, have many attractive options: front swivel wheels, double wheels, large shopping basket. You can fit a car seat on most models, and a travel system is born, ideal for transporting a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back. There is always the lightweight option as well, handy when travelling or for parents who prefer comfy and light. Prices from standard strollers range from $100 for lightweight strollers to over $200 for sturdier models. Travel systems prices range between $200 and $400. Start your research at department stores, and work your way to specialty stores.
Joggers Unite?
For many new and soon-to-be moms staying active is a must. Here are some features you should look for:
• Good suspensions – a must when jogging on a rough terrain
• Padded seat for your baby
• Stroller is roomy enough to comfortably fit a winter-bundled baby
• Easy fold-up and easy fit in your trunk, grocery bags and all
• Adjustable handle – a plus when both Mom and Dad are pushing the stroller
• Sun canopy – should be appropriate for all kinds of weather.
Prices range from $99 to over $500 for higher-end strollers.
Two to Tango
If you thought looking for a stroller for one baby was hard work, try doubling the load. When it comes to double or triple strollers, there are two main models: the tandem, with seats in front of each other, and the side-by-side-seat strollers. The tandems are easier to maneuver since the wider side-by-side strollers cannot fit all doorways. On the other hand, the side-by-side ones make it possible for your children to entertain each other and enjoy the trip.
Parents like Sheila Thompson* went for a simple solution: a Cosco twin tandem, at less than $200, which has both seats recline all the way, rather than one just going part way. “Although it wasn’t compatible with car seats, we were happy with it,” Thompson says. “The front seat could be turned to face backwards, then a blanket (or umbrella) easily covered the gap between the two canopies and the two kids amused each other and I could see both of them”, she explains. Complaints? No cup holder for Mommy and a small shopping basket.
One popular model with parents of twins is the Graco DuoGlider LXI stroller, which features stadium-style seats and can accommodate two infant car seats. The stroller has a one-hand fold, which, admittedly, is a cool feature. For $250 or less, it is a worthwhile investment.
Parents with differently-aged children should take into account is that the double stroller should be able to provide good shelter for a sleeping baby and full view for the older, much active child. So, individually adjustable seats are a must. Also, look for double strollers with a simple folding mechanism.
Most jogging strollers come in the double version as well, and although the prices are higher than for a standard double stroller, sometimes up to $1,000, many parents find them comfortable enough to pay the difference. Word of caution: Some double joggers might not fit doorways and narrow stores aisles, like the ones in smaller neighbourhood stores.
Saving Our Planet (And Your Wallet), One Stroller at a Time
For the environment conscious and the money-savvy shoppers, there is always the alternative of buying previously owned items. There are consignment stores and Internet resources that offer great products at a fraction of the original price Babies grow fast and many times you can find a great looking stroller or travel system at a price that makes you chuckle. No, really... Make sure to always check if the car seat has been in an accident. If there is no way of knowing, keep shopping until you find a product you are comfortable with.
* Name changed by request
Back
to top
------
Shop smart for baby gear
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Winter 2006 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
I still have the baby swing. I remember the day when I bought it, thinking I had made the best investment yet in baby gear, anticipating that my soon-to-come baby would happily spend countless hours in it. Not so. Our son probably spent a total of 10 minutes total in the baby swing. And there was no way I could convince him otherwise. The bright side of it? I bought it from a garage sale, so I only paid a fraction of the regular retail price for it.
As a first-time parent, I found that most pieces of baby gear look appealing. They have a cute design, and they have the can’t-do-without look. Truth is, babies need very little equipment for the first few months of their lives. Since babies are unique individuals, they have unique tastes. What your cousin’s baby loved, may turn your little one off. Here are some suggestions to help every parent-to-be overcome the baby gear rush and make wise, economical choices.
Try before you buy
Let your baby try the piece of baby equipment you are thinking of buying. Keep in mind that babies do change their mind, and if he really seem to like something, consider buying it from a consignment store or from garage sales. Hand-me-downs from friends are your best bet, since you know the home from which the item is coming. If you’re buying from a garage sale, always ask to see the assembled product. No matter how attractive the price, think safety first and pass on incomplete ones.
Baby showers and more
If there’s going to be a baby shower, make sure you carefully consider what makes the list. If you are not sure whether you need an item or not, opt for gift certificates or can’t-do-without items such as baby clothes and diapers. If you’d like to include hand-me-downs on your list, be cautious about car seats. Make sure they have the required safety features for traveling by car and by air, and find out their history. Steer clear if they’ve been in an accident, you don’t want to take any risks with damaged equipment.
Sleeping like a baby
If you are thinking about buying a crib, you can definitely go for used ones, as long as they are in good condition and have a certification seal. Slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart. Many parents prefer them over new ones since they have no recently applied chemicals or lacquer. If possible, opt for clean, untreated wood. If the crib comes with a mattress, check for certification seal and make sure it’s firm and fits the crib snugly. Pass on antique cribs; looks don’t matter so much when there are no safety standards in place.
Babies on the move
Strollers. Baby carriers. Slings. Any new parent will need at least one of these items. From travel systems to jogging strollers, from old-fashioned prams to just a frame that fits car seats, the variety is mind-numbing. Think about where you’ll use the stroller: in the city with nicely paved sidewalks or on more rugged terrain where you’ll do your daily jog to get back in shape? For strollers, hit the used baby items section of local websites and consignment stores. There are plenty of options to keep everyone happy.
As for baby carriers, slings are becoming the hot item now. They are convenient, easy to put on, easy to put the baby in and take him out of, easy to store. Need we say more? If you are a first-time parent, it might be wise to invest in a new one, to match your size. The last thing you want is an ill-fitting sling that will add to your back pain. Log on to parenting boards and check for reviews on different types of slings and other baby carriers.
Last, but not least
Put that guilt away. No, you are not a bad parent if you don’t buy all your baby gear brand new. If you, like many families, decide to have one stay-at-home parent, try to save money on quality things that are available for less. Keep in mind that baby gear will be used during the baby years only. There will be unplanned expenses after the baby comes anyway. More expenses will come as the baby grows. Look at the big picture: by reusing, you are, after all, saving the planet your children will in
Back to top |
