Strollers and More

Okay, okay, this is not exactly what a pet stroller is. And surely this is not what you expected to see or read. But you gotta to admit, it’s the cutest clip evah. Someone sent me this cutie and I just had to look up Jenny the pug in more detail.

This will be a short diversion and unashamedly, I am going to write a plug for this pug. You can see more of Jenny at this site dedicated to this wonderful pet with a penchant for strolling with her dolls, called puglets. I am really interested in the Pet Stroller category, but I was blown away with Jenny’s disposition, her owners who trained and supervise her, the creativitiy of putting it all together. Jenny is truly special. If you ask me, instead of strolling, she needs to be bred. We need more pugs like her.

Technorati Tags: jenny the pug, Pet Strollers

Here I am, writing about baby strollers. I’m thinking to myself, What’s there to write about? A product review? A promotion for one stroller or another? Do strollers warrant their own article? What’s going to be angle? What can I bring to the table that others haven’t? In addition, I don’t want to insult your intelligence by writing the obvious. If you read this article, it means that you do you have done some research about strollers, and I don’t want to waste your time.

I researched for material that was available online, I observed babies, mothers, and strollers intensely, in the hopes of finding an anthropological (my undergraduate degree in anthropology might come handy) angle in preparation for this article.

I became aware of many things regarding strollers that I didn’t know before. So this will become a series of “Did you know?” points.

Did you know about this?

Studies about strollers:

The Los Angeles Times recited a study about the adverse affects the stroller has on the babies. Because of the convenience of the stroller, parents keep the babies and toddlers in the stroller too long, therefore, it adds to the obesity factor.

Another study from the U.K. suggests that toddlers spend a lot of time in the strollers and Mommies don’t talk to them as much; and they grow up to be children with social issues, don’t bond as well.

Special Needs strollers:

We have strollers specializing and accommodating babies with special needs; with extra support because of poor muscle tone. One of my children was a “special needs” child. In those days, strollers were of the very basic pram or umbrella. Gosh, it would’ve helped so much having a stroller with pockets which medicine could have been stored.

Double or Triple strollers:

This specialty stroller is designed for families with more than one child in the toddler/baby stage. The seats are arranged either side by side or one behind the other fashion.

Travel Systems:

Strollers are so much more sophisticated today than ever before, with the incorporation of functionality which transforms the stroller from tram (baby carriage) to a sitting stroller to a car seat. Hence the label “travel systems”.

Safety Features:

Today, the safety features are more stringent than ever and include better cushions, better safety belts, bumpers, air filled tires, swivel wheels, brakes, and more. Speaking of brakes, it is a huge improvement over the brick masquerading as brakes. If I would use my first stroller today, surely CPS would decent on me in a New York minute.

Strollers and Sports:

Today you can take your baby on your jogging trail with you, or go cycling. Yes, there are specialized, durable strollers for the runner, the skater, and the cyclist. I am waiting for the swimmer to have floating strollers.

Pet Strollers:

Yes, that’s right. If you are tired of carrying your pooch in a carrying bag, you can always get that special pet stroller. Actually the only convincing argument for a pet stroller that I found was for handicapped pet use.

Prices:

Strollers can go from $20 for a used one to a staggering $1,000.

Recalls:

Folks, I think I covered most of the stuff I uncovered regarding strollers, and avoided giving any advice. Until now. I strongly suggest that you do your market research when you are ready to buy a stroller, which will be as soon as you have your baby. In addition, I implore upon you the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any recall details regarding your stroller. It’s easy to do, just visit cpsc.gov.

God bless,

Technorati Tags: baby strollers, Special Needs Strollers, stroller studies

Selecting strollers is very important when preparing for your life with a baby.  The stroller may be with you for few years, therefore, it is a considerably important decision. 

When you do your market research for a proper stroller, you consider the following things:

1. Cost

2. Functionality and Specs

3. Life Style

Regarding Costs -
Strollers can range from below $40 for a used one to $600+ for a top of the line stroller.  “You get what you pay for” is true when it comes to strollers costing $100 or $400.

Regarding functionality and specs –
If you travel a lot, you could get a stroller which the seat can be removed and convert to a car seat.  By the way, don’t forget to measure the car seat and the space you have in the car. Also inspect to see if the stroller fits in you trunk easily. Consider a stroller which collapses quickly and easily put in the car.
If you jog, you might want to get a jogging stroller which you can take on the run. They are made with very strong but lightweight material that is easy to maneuver and absorbs shocks on the road.

If you have more than one child and both are “stroller age”, you need to get a double or triple stroller.
If you have a special needs child, you need to get a special needs stroller.

As far as accessorizing the stroller, the possibilities are endless.  Cup holders, trays, side bags, sun visors, rain shields, padding, and more.

Regarding Lifestyle –

If you are sports minded and active jogger, consider stroller specifically designed for you and your baby.  Shock absorbers and suspension are important, the baby’s safety should be paramount, therefore make sure the baby’s head is secured, and the baby is protected from the elements.
If you are a cyclist, you can get a trailer designed to hitch the stroller to the bicycle. 
If you are in the sun a lot, get a stroller with a canopy that protects your baby.

 The bottom line is that strollers come in a myriad of shapes, colors, and features.  When you research the strollers online, you have the advantage of checking unbiased reviews given by consumers for each model.  Do your homework.

Technorati Tags: buying strollers, selecting strollers, stroller selection

The basic function of strollers is to carry the baby easily from point A to point B. 

The evolution of strollers

 In developing countries, babies are carried by women.  Take a look at this picture. 

  There are many benefits to this “stroller system”. 

      - It is quick to assemble and dissemble,

      - Extremely functional in difficult terrain.

      - It leaves the hands free.

      - It enforces the bond between mothers and babies.

In Western/modern societies the stroller started as baby carriage or pram (Outside the U.S.).  Here is a typical baby carriage:

 This is used when the infant is too young to sit up.  Basically, it’s a traveling bassinet.

As soon as the baby is able to sit, he graduates to the stroller. They used to be very simple, like this antique stroller:

It didn’t take long, to evolve to a complex “transportation system” which incorporates the needs of the baby and the parent’s lifestyle.  For example, a stroller can be specialized for the jogger, or the cyclist that now have the ability to take the baby with her.  The stroller can be equipped with food trays, can functions as a car seat, can have special covers for protection from the elements.  Like this one:  

With some variations, most strollers today look like the above.

Technorati Tags: history of strollers, strollers