Buying Guides for Strollers

Basics
Strollers are a safe and easy way to transport your baby. With all of the different strollers on the market, deciding which stroller is right for you can be overwhelming. First, you must decide whether you need a single stroller, which holds only one child, or a double or triple stroller for more children. From there, you can find the perfect stroller to fit your lifestyle.

Types
Lightweight: Convenience strollers weigh less than 15 pounds and fold easily and compactly – perfect for on the go. Most have an aluminum frame, so they are lightweight, durable and easy to transport. Although some lightweight strollers offer a full recline, most only recline partially and are therefore not appropriate for use with newborns. Lightweight strollers also do not offer the comfort of standard Single Strollers. Many parents find them more useful for quick errands or travel than for long walks.

Single Strollers: The typical Single Stroller weighs between 13 and 30 pounds with an average of about 15. Full-size Single Strollers are comfortable and sturdy. They usually have plush fabric with plenty of padding, and the seats recline to three or four different positions. On some strollers, the handle heights are reversible so that the stroller doubles as a carriage. Carriage strollers are Single Strollers in which the baby lies down and faces the driver. Carriages also have large wheels and offer the smoothest ride. However, they are not as portable as other strollers. Most Single Strollers usually have a large canopy good for protecting your child from the sun.

Umbrella Strollers: Umbrella strollers get their name from the design of their handles, which resemble that of an umbrella. They also have a durable yet lightweight aluminum frame, and some Umbrella Strollers can weigh as little as 5 pounds. They are ideal for travel, and fold quickly and compactly to fit down the aisles of an airplane or city bus. However, these strollers do not normally recline and are not recommended for newborns. Use your umbrella stroller once your baby can sit up by himself, around 6 months.

Double Strollers: Designed for two children, the Double Stroller makes it simple to tote both children comfortably. There are two different types, the “tandem” and the “side-by-side.” Tandem Strollers, in which one child sits behind the other, usually have deeper seats that are better for infants. These are more maneuverable and often more practical, as the narrow design permits the stroller to pass through smaller areas, such as shopping aisles. Side-By-Side Strollers allow children to enjoy each other's company as they sit. They are lightweight and fold easily and compactly. Most fit through doorways but do not offer the ease of maneuverability that tandem strollers do.

Travel Systems: A Travel System is a combination stroller/car seat. The system includes an infant car seat that can be attached to the stroller while your child is still a newborn. This allows parents to move their baby from a vehicle to the stroller quickly and easily without removing him from the car seat. Babies face the driver of the stroller in most travel systems, but there are some models that allow the baby to face either direction. Most travel systems are compact for easy storage and portability. When your baby outgrows the car seat, you can use the system exclusively as a stroller.

Features
Canopy: Most strollers and carriages include a canopy to protect your child from the elements. Some canopies feature one or more adjustable positions and are even fully retractable. Others have a see-through mesh or plastic window on top to view your child while traveling.

Frame: Strollers are made from either plastic, steel or aluminum. Plastic or aluminum frames are more lightweight; however, steel is the most durable.

Front Bar: Front armbars give your child a place to lean or hold a snack tray or toy accessories. Some models have armbars that are padded, removable and adjustable as your baby grows.

Harness: All strollers feature either a three-point or a five-point harness to keep your child safely in the seat. A five point harness features a chest clip is the best and safest harness type to use.

Recline: A stroller that features a fully reclining seat is appropriate for newborns who cannot support their heads by themselves and need to be in lying position. Other recline positions are appropriate for your growing baby to take naps. Use the fully upright position once your baby is able to support his head to see the world around him.

Storage: Some strollers include a storage basket underneath or mesh pocket on the back of the seat to hold necessities and/or a diaper bag. The size of the stroller will dictate the amount of storage space you will get.

Accessories
Accessory Bars attach to the stroller's handles enabling a parent to hang essentials or hold drinks.

Attachable Toy and Activity Bars are useful in keeping your baby entertained and occupied while strolling.

Infant Headrests are available in a wide variety of colors for preemies and infants, which help support a baby's head and neck during the first couple months of life.

Rain Shields and Netting are important in covering the stroller completely to protect your baby from the elements and are available for single, carriage and Double Strollers.

Stroller Connectors let you attach two Umbrella Strollers together to stroll two children at once.

Age Range
Use a stroller that includes a fully reclining seat with an infant head support for an infant. A stroller with multiple reclining seat positions is suitable for older babies. If you purchase a semi-reclining stroller, you'll begin using it at about 4 months. Once your baby has control of head movements. You will probably use your stroller until your child reaches 3 or 4 years old.

Safety Tips

Always fasten the safety belt when your child is in the stroller.
Make sure reclining strollers do not tip backward.
Be careful when folding the stroller to avoid accidental injuries to your child.
Make sure your stroller doesn't have any small parts or jagged edges.
Don't place items such as purses or shopping bags over the handles which could cause the stroller to tip.
Make sure your stroller is locked to avoid accidental folding.
Apply the wheel brakes when the stroller is not moving.
Keep your eye out for product recalls. They are essential to your baby's safety. Most manufacturers let you register your stroller so that you can periodically receive updates.

Cost Range
Single Strollers range in price from under $50 to over $700. More expensive strollers feature such extras as fully reclining seats, folding canopies, adjustable handlebars, extra storage, washable seat cushions and higher quality fabrics. More money also buys you a more durable frame made of metal instead of plastic, and wheels that wear better. You can purchase a basic carriage for about $100, but some high end designs can run as much as $1000.

Lightweight convenience strollers range in price from under $100 to more than $250. Lower priced strollers usually come with a canopy and seats that semi-recline. As you go up in price, you'll get more features like cushier padding and higher quality fabrics, sturdy aluminum frames and one-hand collapse.

Basic Umbrella Strollers are available for as little as $15. However, a stroller this inexpensive will provide little comfort, minimal safety, and will not come with any extra features. It is best to spend more on a higher quality stroller that will last longer and offer more features and provide safety. For $50 to $70, you can find a reliable umbrella stroller with comfort features such as a canopy, padded seat and storage basket.

Double strollers range in price from about $100 to more than $300. As with any stroller, more features cost more money. You probably won't find a double stroller that fully reclines for less than $100, so you'll need to spend the extra money if you plan to use your stroller for a newborn. As you spend more money, you will get extra features such as removable, washable seat pads and a lightweight metal frame.

Travel systems range in price from about $150 to $200. As with all other strollers, the more you spend, the more features you will get. Look for a system with a car seat that has sufficient infant head support and a reliable harness system. Stroller frames that do not include the car seat are less expensive.

Buying tips


Make sure your stroller has a safety belt and a proper harness system such as a 3 point or a 5 point. Always use the safety belt when your child rides in the stroller.
Make sure the stroller has a wide enough base to prevent tipping. Keep in mind that your child may lean over the side. Also remember not to put shopping bags or purses on the handles of your stroller. This may also cause the stroller to tip.
Wheels are also important in deciding what kind of stroller you need. For easy maneuverability, look for a stroller with wheels that swivel. A good way to test maneuverability is to operate the stroller with one hand.
If you plan on using your stroller for a newborn, purchase one that fully reclines. Newborns need to lie down because they do not have any control of their head movements. Reclining strollers are also great for older children when they want to take a nap. Make sure, however, that reclining strollers do not tip backward.
Make sure your stroller has reliable brakes that are easy to operate. Always apply the brakes when the stroller is not moving.
Weight is also an important factor in deciding which stroller is best for you. Lightweight strollers are very portable but do not offer the comfort of heavier strollers.
To allow for easier transporting and storing, you should buy a stroller that collapses. Make sure that you can close the stroller with at least one arm free to hold your baby. Every collapsible stroller should also have a safety mechanism to prevent the stroller from accidentally folding with your baby inside.
Look for a stroller with adjustable handlebars for parents of various heights.
Removable, washable padding on seats and canopies are useful for avoiding stains.
Some strollers feature front bars for your baby to hold onto while he rides which are removable, as your baby gets older.
Adjustable footrests help support your baby's legs.
Parent and child trays are useful in holding essentials and drinks.

Buying Guides for Play Yards

Basics
Play yards are wonderful because they are such a versatile piece of equipment. Most are compact enough for easy transport. They are great both inside the home and out, and have see-through mesh so your baby can see everything around him. Most also have wheels for easy maneuverability. Your baby can play is his own little space while you take a little time out. Bring the play yard along on visits to Grandma or on trips to the park. It's a safe place to let your baby entertain himself. Play yards are also ideal for travel as a crib for younger babies to nap in. Most fold for easy portability.

Types
Basic: Play yards come with many different features, so you can find one to suit your exact needs. The basic play yard doubles as a playpen and a crib for naps. Although some are made of fabric, most now have mesh netting that makes for easier cleanup. Because Play Yards are frequently used for travel, most fold compactly and also have wheels for easy maneuverability that lock for safety.

Bassinet: While all Play Yards can double as temporary cribs, some Play Yards have built-in bassinets for newborns. The bassinets are designed to hold newborns up until your baby reaches 15 pounds. They are particularly useful for travel with a younger baby, as you do not have to worry about a safe place for your baby to sleep. When your baby outgrows the bassinet, simply remove it to create a play area.

Canopy: If you plan to frequently use your play yard outside, look for one that has a canopy. The canopy protects your baby from the sun's UV rays and provides shade to keep him a little cooler.

Accessories
Changing Stations can be purchased separately if your play yard does not include one. It will give you a convenient but most of all safe and sanitary place to change your baby when you're away from home.

Netting is particularly helpful for outdoor use and protecting your baby during the mosquito months.

Sheets should be purchased separately if you intend to use your play yard as a crib for naps. They will help keep the play yard clean and your baby comfortable.

Age Range
If you buy a play yard with a bassinet, you can begin using the bassinet from birth. The bassinet will hold your baby until he is about 15 pounds. Otherwise, you will probably begin using your play yard as your child begins to crawl, around the age of six months. You'll continue to use it until your baby is about two years old, or 30 pounds.

Safety Tips

NEVER leave your baby unattended in the play yard.
Do not add padding, large toys, or other objects into the play yard that may permit your baby to climb out. Likewise, do not use your play yard with a child who can climb.
Do not leave sheets or bedding in the play yard as it could pose an entanglement risk.
Never leave the side of a play yard down, loose mesh poses an entanglement risk.
Check fabric frequently for tears.
For babies less than 15 pounds, only use the bassinet portion of the play yard.
The mesh holes in your play yard should be no larger than ¼ inch.
Your play yard should have padding around the top rails and corners.
Always make sure your play yard is locked in the open position before putting your baby inside.

Cost Range
A play yard usually runs between $60 to over $200. The more money you spend, the more features you get, such as a canopy, a bassinet or a changing station. More expensive Play Yards also come with nicer fabrics.

Buying Tips


Safety is the most important feature in anything you'll buy for your baby. Only place your infant in a play yard that is sturdy, and doesn't wobble.
Buy a play yard that is easy to set up and take down. Make sure you can fold it with little difficulty. While a play yard should be easy to fold, it should also be sturdy enough so it won't collapse on its own.
Parents' biggest concern is how easy it is to clean. That's why most prefer mesh netting on a play yard. It may not be as comfortable as fabric yards are for your baby, but it's a lot easier to clean and will most likely save you lots of time and hassle in the long run.
Buy a play yard that fits your needs. Think about what you'll use it for, whether you'll use it mostly at home, travel or outdoors.
Remember that part of a tot's nature is an overwhelming sense of curiosity and adventure, so your baby is probably going to try to escape at least once. Make sure your baby can't get loose from his play yard on his own. This is especially true when he's a little older.

Buying Guides for Monitors

Basics
Although a monitor is not a necessity, it can give you the added reassurance of monitoring your baby when you aren't (can't be) in the same room. Monitors allow parents to keep an eye – or an ear – on their child even when they're not in the same room. The location of your baby's nursery will decide which monitor is best suited to your specific needs. You may need a monitor with a wide transmittal range, one that offers interference blockage, one which allows you to view your baby or one that Monitors your baby's movements.

Types
Audio: The basic Audio Monitor lets you listen to your baby from another room. The unit consists of two parts, a transmitter which sits near the baby, and the receiver or parents unit which you take with you from room to room to hear all of your baby's sounds. Some models feature multiple receivers for 2 parents and even a clip to attach the receiver to your belt.

Audio/Movement Monitors: For added reassurance, an Audio/Movement Monitor features a sensor pad to place under your baby's mattress to detect movements and breathing. The unit features 3 parts: a transmitter, receiver or parents unit, and a sensor pad. Although this monitor does detect breathing, it should not be considered a preventional method for SIDS.

Audio/Video: The Audio/Video Monitor allows you to both hear and visually monitor your baby. The unit consists of a small video camera and a black-and-white television set. The camera can be positioned near your baby's crib on a bedside table or wall mounted. The camera records all of the movements and sounds your baby makes and then transmits the information to the screen. Some models feature VCR connections to enable you to permanently record all of your baby's precious movements. Other models use infrared technology, similar to night vision, to enable viewing of your infant in the dark.

Features
Frequency: Audio Monitors transmit sound signals through radio waves and operate on frequencies. Frequency gives you an approximate measurement of how far the transmitter can be away from the receiver and the range at which you will get the least interference. Different Monitors feature channel selections so that you can choose a channel with the least interference. The least expensive Monitors operate on 49 MHz frequency. However, the minimal channel choices will leave you prone to interference from cordless phones and even other nursery Monitors. Monitors operating on 900 MHz are less susceptible to interference and offer a further transmittance than the 49 MHz. The 2.4 GHz offers the widest range possible and is just starting to be used in Audio/Video Monitors.

Low Battery Indicator: Audio Monitors that are battery operated or have rechargeable bases should have a low battery indicator light and/or sound. The light and/or beep will remind you to either change worn batteries or recharge the unit.

Power Source: Transmitters and/or receivers that are battery operated while allowing for easy portability. However, they will cost you more money in long run by having to replace worn out batteries. Some models use rechargeable batteries or A/C adapters. The most efficient feature rechargeable bases for both the transmitter and receiver.

Visual Sound Indicators: Some Monitors feature red indicator lights in a light display or sound bar that flashes each time your baby makes a sound. The longer bar of light indicates a more intense sound. This feature is particularly useful when vacuuming or doing another chore which would prevent you from hearing your baby's cries.

Age Range
Each type of monitor has a different age range. Audio Monitors can be used from newborn through the toddler years. Some models even feature a portable transmitter that be clipped to your ever curious toddler for 2 way communication. Audio/Movement Monitors use sensor pads which limit the monitoring of your baby to the crib. Audio/Video Monitors can monitor your newborn through the toddler years. Although once your little one is mobile, it becomes more difficult to visually monitor your baby using the camera.

Safety Tips
Keep the monitor safely tucked away from your baby and out of reach as the adapter and cords could pose a strangulation risk.
Using a monitor in a bathroom or kitchen could pose electrical hazards if located near water.
Do not leave your baby unattended for extended periods of time, even with the monitor.
Although a monitor is a useful tool, it cannot replace the best monitor of all, you.
Cost Range
Monitors range in price from the low $20's to as high as $400. Audio Monitors start at about $20 for a basic model. The price increases with additional features such as multiple channels and a higher frequency. Audio/Sound Monitors start at $115 and Audio/Video Monitors start at about $200. At any cost, no dollar amount can be placed on the added peace of mind a monitor gives you.

Buying Tips

Purchase a monitor with a rechargeable receiver to avoid spending on batteries that will wear out quickly.
Low battery indicator lights are important for Monitors that run on batteries and rechargeable receivers.
Volume controls are useful for those times when you don't need or want to hear absolutely every slight noise your baby makes.
Lightweight and compact receivers are easily portable and may even include a belt clip.
Research the frequency of each monitor before purchasing to ensure the best reception for your needs. Flexible antennas on both the transmitter and receiver are a good way to ensure a clear signal.
Monitors that feature multiple channels help cut down on interference.
Infrared technology in an Audio/Video Monitor is important if you would like to monitor your baby even in the dark.

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