Babys First Year

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

Baby Strollers

Your baby’s first year is filled with many challenges and new experiences for everyone in your family. One of the many things that your baby is going to be learning in his first year is the ability to socialize and get along with others. The first place that your baby is going to learn to socialize with others is within your own family. You should also be exposing your baby to playmates and other people outside your immediate family. This is so that he can learn communication and interaction skills at as young an age as possible.

No matter how young your baby is, it is never too soon to let your baby enjoy social activities. The earlier you start to teach social skills to your baby the better his social skills will be when he is older. You should be considering getting out with your baby a couple of times a week so that you are both interacting with other parents and babies.

Your baby won’t really “play” with other babies. Babies will, however, be very interested in watching the other babies and at times may interact with them by hitting, touching, or grabbing them. Babies won’t participate in a “playing” activity until they are toddlers. What your baby gains by being exposed to other babies is the stimulation of being around other babies.

There are several ways that you can get out of the house and socialize with your baby. One thing you should keep in mind is that you should keep your baby away from other babies if your baby isn’t feeling well or if one of the other babies is sick. Babies are very susceptible to colds and you will want to limit your baby’s exposure to illness whenever possible.

Here are some things you may want to consider:

•Try to expose your baby to as many social settings as possible. Taking your baby out is a great way for you both to have a change of scenery and vary your daily routine. Your baby will enjoy going out with you, whether you are just going to the store or joining a parent-baby exercise class at your recreation center. He will be excited and stimulated by all the new faces, voices, and settings that he will encounter on his adventure.

•Find a parent/baby playgroup to join. Your baby will enjoy watching other babies and children while you interact with old and new friends. The more social settings that you take your baby to, the more broad his world becomes.

•Taking your baby to a playgroup or for a swim at the pool gives your baby the chance to be part of a larger group. Your baby will quickly learn that the smiles and coos he uses on you at home get the same response when you are both out. He will learn that he can have a positive impact on others around him as he gets the response that he is looking for.

There are many things that you can do in your own home so that your baby gets the socialization that he needs. Have your baby sit with you at the dinner table whether he has been introduced to solids or not. This is a great way for your family to spend quality time and for your baby to watch as others interact around him.

Baby's First Year

As a prospective parent, you may wonder how hard it could possibly be when it comes to learning how to choose a changing table. But you’d be surprised at the little details that can make your life easier when you have them, and a nightmare when you don’t.

The first consideration should be how long you are going to be using the table. Is this a short term item, that you need to move around the house as an infant moves with you? In that case, an adjustable, foldaway that is designed for lighter weights and younger children, will do.

However, if you’re looking for a durable piece of furniture that will serve you and the child as they grow, you’ll want to look at something more functional, and with features that will make caring for your baby, easier.

Many parents choose a changing table that goes with the décor of the child’s room, whether that is natural wood, hand-painted design, or even brass tables. And to get the most out of their purchase, the style they choose usually includes shelves, drawers, cupboards, or a combination of all three.

The top level of the changing table, should have at least a four inch deep rim, to give you a reasonable enclosure for very young infants. Belts for restraining the baby come with most tables, and should be used at all times.

What comes under that level, is a matter of preference. Some models of changing tables will have one or two shelves with a lip around the edge, to prevent things from rolling off. Other styles will come with baskets on the shelves to help you organize your baby care items. And more deluxe models may have a shelf, plus a cupboard underneath, and possibly a cupboard to one side that is made to hold the diaper pail. These provide the best and longest lasting value, because once the child is out of diapers, they convert to dressers, play tables, and storage areas.

When choosing a changing table, don’t forget to check the weight and/or age limit. The more weight it is certified for, the more durable and sturdy it is likely to be.

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