Babies & Toddler Information

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 TermsIf 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 TipsThe 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 StrollerNo 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.