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.