Summer Is Coming - Are You Ready

Summer is about here bringing intense sun, heat and lots of folks out jogging and strolling.  Are you ready?  It should be warm enough to really clean the stroller, check the tires and make sure everything is tight and ready to go.

 You may need to buy a new canopy or canopy extender, oil the wheels and check the seat, the safety harness and the break for wear and tear if you haven't been out for a while due to the winter weather.  You can get good deals on canopy extenders at Amazon.com.

Happy Strolling
Strolling Mom

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller - Check list for jogging strollers

Image via WikipediaHere are some things to consider when you shop for a jogging stroller:

   * Make sure the stroller you are considering has a JPMA seal to show it has passed the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association testing.

  * Check that the handles fit you for ease of pushing, you don't want to be bent over pushing a stroller all day.

  * Try to get a stroller with either "no flat" tires or easy to pump pneumatic tires.  These type are much more forgiving to bumps and gaps.

  * For safety please check the gap between the grab bar, snack tray or cup holder and the seat.  Your baby's head should clear it if she happens to slide down the seat..  Otherwise she could get caught and strangle.

  * Make sure that there is enough room between your feet and legs and the back of the seat while fully reclined when you are in full jogging stride.

  * Chuck the suspension, padding on the seat and backrest, the jogging stroller should have some sort of shock absorbers along with a very sturdy frame.

  * Check for a hand brake to help you slow down quickly to avoid pot holes and make sure the stroller has a good parking brake - think San Francisco hills.

 *  Check for currently active recalls on the model jogging stroller you are considering, especially if you are in the market for a used stroller.  You can consult the Consumer Products Safety Commission's website here.http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html?tab=recalls

 * Insure that the stroller unit folds enough for your needs.  Some models need to have  the front wheel removed to fold.

 Some don't have a lock to keep the unit folded, some don't have a trigger to let you fold it with one hand.  Quite a few don't fold flat enough to really fit into a car trunk easily.

One last word - remember your baby will not be ready for jogging until the age of 6 months or more.  The muscles in the neck won't be developed enough to provide head stability until then.  Please consult with your baby's health care provider.

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller Part 3

Image by ex.libris via FlickrThere are many other excellent three wheel strollers on the market.  Most of these will have 8 to 10 inch rear wheels and have 4 to 6 inch front tires.  Some will have dual front tires.  These are hightly maneuverable and comfortable strollers.  They are just not made for runnng or walking.  They are make for strolling and maneuvering through stores, shopping malls and your neighborhood.

In the stroller market you usually pay more for the best stroller.   The best of the jogging and all terrain stroller will easily cost over $300.  You can find good jogging and all terrain stroller for between $200 and $300.  Going under $200 you will have to make some compromises.

The lower end strollers substitute steel frames for the aluminum frames of the top models.  This makes the stroller heavier and a bit harder to push.  Most lower end models carriy one year warranties as opposed to the five plus years for the upper priced models.  The higher price models are of course more durable and engineered better.

Next the checklist for jogging strollers.

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller Part 2

Image by Zane Selvans via FlickrWhat to Look For In a Jogging Stroller - All Terrain Strollers

All terrain strollers also have 3 wheels and the front wheel swivels and tends to be smaller than the back wheels.  These can be used for jogging in a pinch as most of them have a locking front wheel.  Due to the fit of the front wheel lock these kind of strollers will vibrate a bit while running, they are just right for us walkers.

All terrain strollers are much more maneuverable than true jogging strollers because the front wheel swivels.  The large, rugged rear tires make it very easy to negotiate rough terrain.  They usually have quite a bit of storage space and a 5-point safety harness.

Most all terrain strollers have large rear tires (12-inch or so) and smaller front tires (8-inch or so.)  I like these as they soften the bumps in the sidewalks and seem to be less harsh on the baby's ride when I hit a chuckhole.

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller Part 1

Image by pepell via FlickrThere are three types of three wheeler strollers you can buy, depending on what you are using them for.  Jogging strollers tend to be narrow, have a longer, leaner silhouette and have larger wheels than the rest of the strollers.  The seat may be narrower and the stroller may have less storage space - you are jogging, not going out for a day long tramp. 

Jogging strollers are the sports cars of strollers and have a similar price tag costing up to four times as much as your average around town strollers.

True Jogging Strollers

True jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel to avoid wheel wobbling and vibration.  This makes them great for running and difficult for maneuvering - these should be used only for jogging.  Jogging strollers usually have between 16-inch and 20-inch skinny tires on all 3 wheels.  They look like small 10-speed bike tires.  Try to get the models with 20-inch tires as these are easier to push which makes it easier on you.  The also offer a smoother ride.

Look for jogging strollers with good suspension, a well designed 5-point safety harness, good back and head support and good breaks are a must especially for infants as they will sleep while you get your miles in.  Make sure the handle will fit you and anyone else that will be pushing the baby. Check the canopy to insure good coverage with jogging into the sun.

Jogging strollers are good over paved and non paved surfaces due to the larger tires.

Part 2 coming soon.

Should Your Baby's Stroller Have a Reclining Seat?

Image via WikipediaThe answer is a resounding "YES."  Can you imagine the noise if you had to push a Baby Stroller that didn't have a reclining seat?  Fussy baby couldn't take a nap.  In the beginning a baby stroller was just a bed on wheels.  The baby could recline, just not sit up, then the seat was added later.

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for your baby stroller.

It should fully recline if possible and you have a a new born.

Resting recline should be between 70% and 80% reclined.

Should have more than 2 reclining positions, 5 reclining positions is really nice.

If you are getting a stroller for a newborn you should have some type of head support to prevent their little heads from bobbing all over the place.  That is not good for underdeveloped neck muscles.

Get as much padding on the seats as you can afford, it is much more comfortable for the baby.

Make sure you can access the basket with the seat fully reclined - it will help when baby is napping.

Trying To Decide On A Stroller?

Image via WikipediaBuying your first stroller can be frustrating and scary.  Hopefully this is one piece of equipment you will
use for some time.It is easy to go into Walmart, Target or places like that and get the standard model.  Most of those models were designed to last 2 perhaps 3 years tops.  The majority of these will have short seat backs meaning your child will outgrow them quickly.

I would suggest a higher end stroller would be better for your needs.  Ask your self these questions:

First - What are you going to use it for?  Jogging, strolling, shopping, traveling, sporting events, whatever.

Second - How much do you want to pay?  The top end stroller cost much more than the lower end models but you get much more value.  You get better design, better materials and should more features/benefits.

Third - Where are you going to use it?  I have seen umbrella strollers being carried to youth sporting events over mud, tall grass and even puddles because they couldn't be pushed because of the terrain.  Get one that will go where you go.

Fourth - Make sure it fits the child and the parent.  I have seen too many 2 and 3 year old children in strollers too short for them.  And I have seen way too many parents pushing stroller that they had to bend over to push.
Most stroller designs today seem to be made for my 5' 7" grandfather to push.  My brother has one just like those and he is 6'4" and a he is real bear after a day of pushing junior around the zoo.  Not to mention the crick he gets in his back.

Fifth - Make sure you can fold it quickly and easily.  Some of these "easy folding strollers" seem to need 2 people and an instruction video to get them folded.  Make sure it will fit into the back of your car.  Just think pouring rain, busy parking lot, splashing water, teething child - you get the picture.

Sixth - Make sure it is visible, you want drives to be aware of your stroller and you want to be able to spot it in the stroller corral when at a park.  I also get creative with reflective tape on mine just to help me find it at a Theme Park.

Those 6 items should get you on your way.

P.S. make sure it is in your price range, some of these things cost more than my touring bike.

Good Luck
Strolling Mom

I'm Back

Image via WikipediaHi Guys,
It has been an interesting couple of weeks - lots of snow and power outages.  I went to visit a relative in the nrotheast - only in summer any more.
I have been checking on some of our elderly neighbors, cooking enough to feed an army and delivering it to those without power and helping shovel snow.
 It is not quite as bad as the image but it felt that way a few times.  Anyway I am back and will be posting interesting things about strollers soon.

P.S.  If any of you know about a 5 H.P. gas powered baby stroller that has endless belts instead of wheels that will just float over the snow please let me know, they will sell like hotcakes in the northeast at the moment. Or maybe a stroller on skis instead of wheels, I have watched a lot of parents struggle with strollers at the local malls and stores.

At What Age Can Your Baby Go Into A Stroller?

That is one of the most frequent questions for new parents to ask, I know we did.  This is a somewhat difficult question to answer.  Each doctor has their own opinion.  Here are my thoughts.

If you have the car seat adapter on your stroller you can take your baby immediately.  Without the car seat adapter most doctors will tell you from 6 to 8 weeks old for just strolling.  You should wait 6 months or at least until the baby can lift its' own head for jogging.

Check with your pediatrician before going either strolling or jogging.

Enjoy getting out!

Strolling Mom

Is Your Baby Ready For Winter?

Babies and infants can't tell when they are getting too cold.  They know that they are uncomfortable and will cry to let you know.  Usually babies should have on one more layer than the parents.  You just have to watch them, sometimes they can get overheated in the winter.

Here are a few hints to insure a healthy happy baby while out and about this winter:

   * A good sleeping sack or bag is great for keep baby warm and happy.  Most of the new bags attach to most strollers and infant seats.

  * A fairly snug hat will also keep the baby warm and happy.

  * You should use a weather shield to keep your little one dry and out of the wind in winter's frigid weather.

  * A seat liner or insert is very useful as most stroller seats are made for warmer weather.  Most stroller fabrics are really cold in the winter.  The liner or insert will keep the wind from blowing through from underneath.

  * Fleece booties will keep tiny feet warm and cozy.

Stay Warm and Have Fun

Strolling Mom

How to get your stroller really clean

Holiday time is over and if you are like most of the rest of us your stroller is now a mess.  The slush, mud and other yucky stuff is on the wheels.  I also have slightly chewed Cheerios, spilled milk, juice and some unidentifiable stuff in the pockets and tray.  And the cup holder is a bit sticky.  It is stroller cleaning time.

Here is what to do if the weather will co-operate.

1.  Wait for a relatively nice day or at least a time when it isn't snowing and get a large bucket or bowl of hot water.

2.  Put the stroller outside if at all possible or at least somewhere you have room to work and no one will get too excited if you get water on the floor. (I have learned not to clean it next to the '57 Chevy - someone gets all upset and pouts.)

3.  Remove everything from the storage space, pockets, trays and cupholders and put them in a plastic bag to be dealt with later.

4.  Vacuum the stroller with the smallest nozzle you have and use the crevice tool for the pockets and corners of the basket.  You might need to use a soft brush on the seat to loosen some of the ground in Cheerios.

5.  You may need to use some gentle spot cleaner on some areas never use bleach it can make an interesting effect on the fabric.

6.  If the seats are removable you can machine wash them on gentle cycle and hang them somewhere to air dry.  If not you can clean them in warm sudsy water and rinse well with more warm water using a small brush to dislodge any crusty stuff.

7.  Use warm soapy water to clean the rest of the stroller, the wheels, handlebar, sides, underside, canopy, frame, etc and rinse well.  Leave it in a safe place to dry at least overnight.

8.  Now is the time to spray the seat, inside the pockets and cup holders, the basket and anywhere the fabric folds with something like Lysol - you would be surprised at what can live there even after a good cleaning.

9.  Inspect the bar that holds the child's cup holder and snack tray.  Is the cover still in one piece and the tray still solid and un-cracked?  I spent a fun time removing some of the foam covering the bar from my son's mouth one day.  He was teething and biting on the bar and got a mouthful of the foam.  He also managed to crack the snack tray.  You or I couldn't bite that hard, only a teething tot could do that.

10.  Now is also time to  re-lubricate the wheels and the swivel if needed.  The whole stroller is clean and dirt free so hubby can do his thing with the light grease and oil can. 

Here is to a clean, squeak free stroller.

Strolling Mom