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A guide to Prams and Strollers

by admin on September 21, 2008


guide to prams strollers

One of the most essential accessories you will need to purchase is a travel system or pram that is suited for your particular needs. What will be the main use for your pram? Do you enjoy long walks or hikes? Will you be travelling on rough terrain? Will it used mainly for travel on public transport? The answers to these questions will determine which system is best for you.

Your travel system is an accessory that you will use for years to come and can cost over a hundred pounds, with the proper selection your system should last for as long as the child needs.

There are several systems to choose from which include, the traditional pram, the two or
three in one, pushchairs and buggies as well as, three-wheelers, travel systems and double/triple buggies.

The traditional pram is suitable for use from birth and is best for easy strolls. They are not well suited for use on public transportation or use in motor cars, because they are large and very cumbersome. The carry-top is detachable with handles provided for carrying. This too, is best for short distances, as they tend to be rather heavy.

A two-in-one pram provides the versatility of an interchangeable pushchair unit that can be set to face in either direction. This system is suitable for use from birth and has a
removable lining for easy care and a detachable pushchair unit that can be used as a carrycot. The two in one come with the either a fixed wheel suspension system for easy walking or a swivel for ease in manoeuvring around busy places.

The three-in-one offers the versatility of a carrycot, separate pushchair unit and chassis. When equipped with a safety mattress, the carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping until around the age of 6 months. The pushchair unit is interchangeable, has a reclining backrest and is equipped with an adjustable footrest. The chassis is available in a variety of styles from the larger wheel chassis that come with fixed wheels and a suspension system that is ideal for walking or the swivel wheeled chassis that is lighter, folds to a small size and easy very convenient for motor car use and to manoeuvre in tight places.

The best system for use in motor cars, public transport or on holiday is the standard pushchair. They are very lightweight, are able to lie flat and come with a five-point harness system for safety. They also have lockable, swivel wheels and are usually equipped with a shopping basket. Only some models are suitable for newborns.

Buggies and Strollers come in a vast variety of styles but most will offer a combination of the following: A fully reclining seat with up to five different positioning levels, lock-able swivel wheels, five-point safety harness and a lightweight frame with an umbrella fold for easy storage. This system is also available with an optional car seat feature.

A 3-wheeler pushchair is the best choice for the active Mum. It great for strolling on city streets or hiking on country trails or even that morning jog. There are available models that are equipped with first stage car seats and an optional carrycot. This system is rather large and this must be taken into consideration and whether you have the space for it in your home or motor car.

For the on the go Mum a travel system maybe the best option. It comes with a stage 0+ car seat, folded pushchair for easy storage in the boot of most motor cars. The car seat can be used as a carrier and easily attaches to the pushchair unit.

Fun Extras:

A good quality swing is a wonderful accessory and a great place for baby to hang out as Mum does household choirs as well as a nice place for that afternoon nap. Many come equipped with wind-up timers and music. Play Arches is as much fun to watch as it is for the baby to use and is also a great source of exercise. A newborn/toddler bouncer is an addition any baby will adore and they will have spend many enjoyable hours rocking and bouncing as they grow. And finally, a nice alternative to a stroller is a wagon, prefect for toddlers and a lot of fun on an afternoon stroll.

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Baby Monitor Reviews - Part 1

by admin on September 17, 2008


baby monitors review

After an intensive three month study of many of the newest monitors available the panel came up with the following recommendations.

Test were conducted on traditional analogue models, high digitals and ones equipped with video as well as audio capabilities.

It was the panel’s consensus that price does not necessarily indicate quality and that some of the instructions are overly complicated and that the simpler the model is to use, the better. One of the best way to select the proper monitoring method for you is to consider who detailed a monitoring system do you want and how much actual use of it will you get.

Monitors like the BT Digital Plus and Tommee Tippee Sure Sound Deluxe use digital technology. They offer clear reception are reasonably priced and performed much better than traditional analogue monitors which tended to pick up random noise from other areas. Digital monitors are a bit more expensive than traditional analogue montitors but are still the top pick for their high-quality.

Bosie Boo and Panasonic Dect Phone offer camera monitors for those that feel they neede extensive monitoring.

The quality of sound is perhaps the most important feature and most monitors come equipped with the ability to pick up various channels to ensure you receive reception. According to the panel’s finding the systems that performed in sound testing were the
BT Digital Monitor, Phillips Deluxe and the Bosie Boo.

If you have a very large home or plan to use a monitor while in the garden, for example, range is an important consideration. Monitors come in a variety of range capabilities from 100m to more flexible usage models with a 300m range. Models like the Tomy Walkabout Platinum Digital has a warning indicator that alerts you when you are going out of range.

There are a vast number of additional features and it is advisable to research what is included in the model you select. A great feature is the talk-back ability which functions much like a two way radio and allows the baby to hear you as well. This can come in very handy if the baby fusses and you can use the sound of your voice to soothe the infant without having to enter the room. There are also monitors that come with sound-sensitive light displays which alert you silently when your baby makes a noise. This is great for those how work from home or anyone who needs quiet time and still be aware of activity from the nursery.

See part 2 for the results!

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New Baby arrival preparation checklist - Part 1

by admin on September 15, 2008


new born baby checklist

new born baby checklist

Following is a comprehensive list of items that are very popular and come highly recommended when a new baby comes into a household.

Nursery and other needed accessories:

An appropriate crib and mattress. Often times, well intentioned family members or friends wish to donate their old cribs, this is all well and good, but depending on the age of the piece, it may no longer meet newer safety requirements. Make sure that any piece selected meets these new requirements and always attach safety bumpers around the crib rails.

A lot of parents often have a family bed, where the infants sleep in bed with them. If this is an option for you there may be no rush to purchase a crib right away Another option for the early months is a bassinette.

The furniture required is minimal for a well equipped nursery. A comfortable rocker and a dresser to keep clothing in, along with a changing table. A nightlight to aid with vision those late feedings.

Plenty of diapers, you might consider cloth diapers which are more eco friendly and cost less than disposables, but do require additional time for laundering. Cleaning wipes, talc and ointment are always good to have on hand and a bin with a tightly closing lid for diaper disposable.

It is never too early to read to your baby and many studies have shown that children who are read to from the earliest stages of life perform better in school. Mobiles and a variety of bright decorations aide to stimulate the baby from birth and is a wonderful beginning towards a bright future.

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