Different cultures have used various methods of transporting children. The methods ranged from prams, portable bassinets, strollers, slings, backpacks, baskets and bicycle carriers. In this article, the mode of transport that is of greatest concern to us is the stroller. StroIIers are for small children up to three years old . The child, when in the stroller, is in sitting position facing forward. However, newer versions of the strollers can be configured to carry a child lying down. The revolution in the stroller industry has been tremendous which has brought about the invention of different models and designs of strollers such as the twin strollers ; designed for babies same age such as twins.
A travel system typically consists of a chassis with a detachable baby seat. This attribute enables a travel system to switch from a pushchair to a pram and vice versa . The removable frame makes transportation of the stroller easy since it will be smaller and the baby seat will switch into a base meant to stay in an automobile thus making it a car seat for the child which in turn allows the child movement without any form of disturbance. Modern designs have brought about the transformation of the stroller to a click scooter due to the possibility of the lower body to be elongated.
However, there are some essential features of strollers which are vital to look out for when choosing a stroller:
1. Height adjustable handle - this makes it possible for the stroller to be driven by people of different heights since when driving, the handle should be waist high or slightly below thus the adjustable handle makes this possible? Brake mechanism -this helps keep the stroller at a standstill or even to regulate the stroller speed, especially for the jogging stroller.
3. Types of straps - the straps should include chest straps, waist straps, and crotch straps.These belts are essential to ensure the safety of the child.
4. Padding - most strollers tend to have less padding compared to prams whereas some have more which increases the level of comfort for the child.
5. Head barrier - this is basically for preventing the child's head from toppling over and being trapped between the stroller framesReclining seat
6. Tires - these vary from the air filled tire which is the most comfortable but can easily get punctured; the foam filled tires which ensure fewer jerks for younger children and cannot get punctured.
7. Suspension - this reduces shock brought about by bumps or rocks along the way thus making the ride comfortable.
8. Protective shade - this is important since the child‘s skin cannot be able to withstand the intense heat from the sun while having an outdoor walk during the day. The protective shadel canopy is mostly detachable thus making cleaning the stroller easy.
9. Footrest - this is most important for children of about three years. The footrest adds length to the seat thus providing calf support to the toddler.
9. Mosquito net - this significantly applies to malaria-prone areas. The mosquito net helps keep out mosquitoes from the child. ls detachable and therefore can be cleaned and treated regularly.
11. Tires - these vary from the air filled tire which is the most comfortable but can easily get a puncture. The foam filled tires which ensure fewer jerks for younger children.
11 . Folding mechanism - this mostly attributed to the removable parts of the stroller. These core features provide an outline of the proper stroller to buy for the child. However, there are some characteristics that one should take into consideration when purchasing a stroller.
The following components ensure the riders convenience and child safety:
1. Weight - some strollers tend to be lightweight which may be convenient for the parent. However; the lightweight strollers tend to be unstable thus are not recommended for carrying newborns who make strollers more suitable for toddlers and older kids.
2. Quality of the ride - newborns need strollers with large wheels. Better suspension and more comfortable seating since they are delicate.
3. Maneuverability - the ability of a stroller to maneuver in crowded places and long distances depending on the stroller width, size of wheels and stroller weight. Therefore, the narrower the width, the smaller the wheels and the lighter the stroller, the easier it is for the stroller to maneuver.
4. Flexibility - more comfort is brought about with more flexibility of the stroller. Also, the flexibility of the stroller makes it possible for the child's movement without experiencing any disturbance.
As we can see, strollers can serve a great purpose when taking a walk with the newborn child or toddler. With the stroller features and characteristics put into consideration, one is bound to buy a perfect stroller which will ensure the child's safety, have excellent maneuverability and flexibility.
Your baby is precious cargo. You must have a stroller that keeps your baby comfortable and safe. There are many factors that you must consider in buying quality strollers and travel systems that grow with your baby. These include lightweight materials, modern and compact styling, all-terrain capability, luxury and other useful features. Therefore, you have to evaluate the model, registry and other options that will be best for you and your baby.
How to select quality strollers and travel systems
From newborn babies up to six months old, selecting a quality stroller and travel system needs special consideration- Until the baby can control his or her neck and head, you need a carrier or a travel system that fully and safely support your infant with a recline feature. It can simplify your life when you own a stroller that is compatible with an infant car seat or the stroller comes with a car seat.
1. All-in-one travel systems
A travel system consists of a stroller, an infant car seat and a car-seat base. This can be heavy and can take up some more room than merely a stroller frame. But if your baby is six months and is capable of sitting up, you will have more flexibility in using the travel system stroller with no infant seat strapped in.
There are some travel systems that can accommodate a baby less than six months old with no car seat that is if the seat reclines to almost flat. A travel system can be more costly but has a better value as a stroller can be outgrown by your child, not like a car seat carrier frame.
2. Infant IBar Seats
You must choose the car seat carriers with lightweight frames. These can let you attach the infant car seat. You can merely remove the infant seat the base in the car with your baby and all, and then snap it into the frame. It is good for your napping baby. Stroller frames are not expensive and are lightweight, which makes them very handy when you are on a quick trip to the market or when you take a train or a bus.
When your baby is six months and is able to sit up, you are going to take long strolls and take him with you on some errands, as well as trips to aquariums, parks, and others. Either you just have to stroll directly from your house or you have to drive or take a public transportation to get around, these might be your deciding factors in choosing quality strollers and travel systems.
1. Public transportation or suburban walk
You need to have a compact and lightweight stroller that is strong and can be folded quickly and easily. A car seat carrier frame will work well just like a travel system that's lightweight. For babies older than six months or a toddler, you have to consider an umbrella stroller. A stronger stroller can be easily pushed during long walks. However, a bigger one is heavier and more challenging especially in public transportation areas with stairs. If you do have a car, ensure that you easily fit the stroller into the trunk or back seat.
2. Test Drive
It should be real and virtual. You have to test drive the stroller in all paces like running, walking, boarding airplanes and navigating the sidewalks. Ensure that you will be comfortable with the handle grip and height, brakes and swivel lock mechanisms are easy to use, the backrest is easy to adjust, the harness is easy to fasten or unfasten, it is easy to lift or carry when open or folded and it is easy for storage, among others.
3. Warranty and certification
You must check for warranties offered by retailers and manufacturers. These must cover the flaws and poor workmanship but not really the malfunctions. You may need a replacement or ship it for repair at your own expense.
You also have to search for a sticker that shows the manufacturer's certification program given by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association). This means that the product has been tested for the stroller's stability, brakes, leg openings, locking mechanisms, restraint system, as well as the absence of sharp points and edges can shear, pinch or scissor a child or parent.
On Trend Scandinavian Designed Strollers
Here are a few that offer you and your child quality strollers and travel systems:
1. Sole
It has a colorful and unique collection, which can be analogous to childhood. It reflects warmth, energy and good feelings. its bright colors can stimulate recognition process and can encourage communication, as well as creativity.
2. Polaris City
lf you are eager to travel looking for new impressions, this is for you and your baby. It is durable, lightweight, very compact and has foldable chassis that can fit into the boot of a small city car. it has fashionable and modern colors, as well as the dynamic design that can perfectly match its practicality and reliability.
3. Polaris
It is practical and reliable, as well as subtly elegant and stylish . It is capable of growing together with your baby from an infant‘s cradle to a sporty section that's suitable for a 3-year-old child.
It will help your baby feel comfortable and safe even though on a summer, autumn or winter day in a city bustle or country farm. It will faithfully protect your child.
4. Fjordi
It is inspired by the Norwegian lifestyle and culture. The extreme weather conditions create a major impact on your baby's comfort and well-being. It has a comfortable interior and its design is made to protect your baby against the rain and wind. It is embroidery is a homemade reminiscence, which part of the Scandinavian culture.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is the most important tip for feeding your baby. The baby should have milk as the main diet in the first six months. Breast milk is rich in enzymes , antibodies and antimicrobial elements ideal for the kids' health. However, as the child grows, she should take in other textures and flavors on doctor's suggestions.
Solid Foods
Another important tip for feeding your baby is the types of solid foods. Solid foods should be introduced to the baby after six months. Solid foods for babies should be impartially liquid . Parents are recommended to start with rice cereal because it can be easily tolerated. More so, the parents are advised to start with vegetables and grains. Parents should not start with fruits because the baby will anticipate all foods to taste as sugary.
Whole Foods
A baby’s digestive system is delicate. The parent should make sure that whole foods should be fed before processed food to ensure smooth digestion. It is also important to note that any infant at the age of twelve can take in smashed fruits like avocado, tree nut, string beans and egg yolk as whole foods. To hydrate the baby mothers should breastfeed more. However, most parents think that juice is useful for hydration. However, that is not the case because juice creates a sweet tooth.
Time to feed the baby
Another tip for feeding your baby is timing. The best time to feed the baby solid foods is after a nap or in the morning. At this period, the baby is hungry. More so, the older siblings or other children are not distracting him. Additionally, to reduce distraction, the television should be turned off.Any other distraction that can deter the baby from eating should be put aside.
Variety
One of the most important tip for feeding your baby is feeding him the variety of foods. After the child is used to eating, the parent should introduce new kinds of foods. Experts suggest that parents should feed different foods repeatedly for a few days. Hence, in case there is any reaction, the parent can identify the kind of food responsible. Feeding the baby the same foods after an extended period makes them be precise eaters. Parents are advised to choose common kind of foods to introduce new ones, for instance, if the child likes eating papaya, mix it with bananas. Additionally, the parents can blend in apples if the child wants blueberries. In addition, the parents can work their way through the colors. Parents should mix in guava, broccoli, corn and pumpkin so that their babies can be nourished with different flavors.
Spicing
Spicing up the food is a very crucial tip for the parent to feed her baby. Once the parents have discovered that, their children are enjoying the simple foods they should introduce other features like spices and herbs. For example, the parent can spice Cinnamon into apples. Some companies responsible for making baby foods like Petite Palate have introduced spiced up foods like Cinnamon and Mint.
Never Give up
Most studies show that parents throw in the towel when their kids refuse new foods. One of the tips of feeding your baby when he refuses new food is to be persistent. However, investigators reveal that it takes 10-15 trials for a child to accept new kind of foods. More so, a research showed that if a child is tried seven to eleven times to try a new food, the chances are that he will form a preference for the food. As the baby ages, the mother should get readier for the toddler to be more precise regarding the kinds of nourishment he will take. Once the baby shows more interest in one type of food, the parent should practice various ways she can serve the food.
Keep the child close to food
For any child to improve his eating habits, the parents should keep them close to where there is food. This important tip for feeding your baby is applicable when a child smells a roasting garlic or a bubbling soup. This helps him create more interest eating that particular food. The parent can involve the child by putting him on the kitchen counter at a very tender age of 6 months. By the time the child is about 16 months old, he can help in stirring the ingredients in the bowl.
Educate the child about food
Another important tip for feeding your baby is educating the child about food. One of the ways a parent can teach the child is by giving the child a particular kind of food while naming it. If using signs is also efficient for the child then the parents are recommended to do the same. Naming foods can help children connect with food even more. Parents can also read storybooks to the children with these kinds of foods. In a recent research, toddlers were found to be more willing to taste different kinds of fruits when their mothers told them stories that had those fruits.
Eat together
Another important tip for feeding your baby is eating together. Parents are also advised to eat together with their children at the dinner table. Eating at the same dinner table allows the baby to see his family members relishing food. In contrast, most parents claim not to have the time; it is advised that if you do not have time during the weekdays, you should create time on the weekends. Research reveals that eating out with children communicates that food is exceptional.
ln conclusion, babies will always eat when they are hungry. It is the responsibility of the parent to endorse a healthy eating habit for the child. The above tips for feeding your baby will be of great help for the growth of your hand.
Choosing the best baby strollers for your child can be a fun but somewhat overwhelming task. What features are you looking for to ensure safety and convenience? How will the stroller make transporting your baby from point A to point B? ls, there a warranty? Product reviews? Expert opinions?
