Car Seat Carrier
Not exactly a “stroller”, but performing the same function, a car seat carrier is one of the most inexpensive ways that parents who have a new baby in an infant car seat can push them around. In some cases it is the most convenient as well. The car seat carrier is just a simple frame that sells for around $50 that an infant car seat can fit in. This is good if you borrow a car seat from a friend or relative, but do not have a stroller, or if you have a small car where a stroller would be a hard fit.

Just the Stroller
You can buy just a plain, boring stroller. One that seems sturdy, has a place for baby, cup holders, etc, but no car seat to go along with it. These come in many different sizes and patterns. These are good for parents who choose to get a convertible car seat for their baby from the beginning, and need somewhere to lay their baby down and push him around. They can also be good as a matching brand to a borrowed infant car seat. These can start at around $60 and go up into the $100’s.

Travel System
The travel system is an all in one unit consisting of the full size stroller and infant car seat that match and fit together perfectly. It is a convenient way for parents to purchase both the car seat and stroller that their baby will need. The downside to it however is that once the baby outgrows the car seat the parents just have a stroller. It can turn it into quite a pricy stroller for what it is. These normally start at around $200 and go up from there.

Jogging Stroller
A jogging stroller is a three wheel stroller built for rougher terrain and surfaces. It is great for moms who like to walk, jog or run, and want to be able to take their baby with them. Some of the jogging strollers on the market will have actual rubber wheels on it like the tires of your car. Others will be plastic like regular strollers. They also come with and without swivel front wheels. These are great if you plan on exercising with your baby in tow, but in some cases can be bothersome if just out and about. They normal start at around $130. On a side note, you can also get the jogging stroller in a travel system set up with an infant car seat that attaches.

Double Stroller
There are also double strollers, double travel systems, double jogging strollers and double umbrellas strollers on the market. These are not only necessary and popular for parents who have twins, but also for parents who have kids close in age, where the older one may not be ready to be out of the stroller when the baby is born. These are close to the same price as the regular counterparts.

Umbrella Stroller
An umbrella stroller is a light weight, small stroller that can easily be thrown in the trunk of the car. It is also the cheapest with versions starting at $10. However, it isn’t always the best choice or the most convenient choice, especially not as your family’s ONLY stroller. An umbrella stroller is intended for bigger babies who can sit up on their own already. It doesn’t have the support that a newborn needs. On the other end of things as your toddler gets heavier, it will drag and be extremely hard to push, plus the wheels are within foot range of your child which leads to your child putting his foot on the wheels and slowing you down.

How Many Do You Need?
Depending on the age of your baby and your interests, you may only need one stroller, or you may need three. If you aren’t real active and don’t see yourself taking up walking/running with your baby then you would be able to get along just fine with a regular stroller, or the stroller that comes as part of the travel system. If you have twins, then the double would be fine for you. If you do see yourself jogging, then you may choose to have a regular stroller for times when you are going to the mall or a doctor appointment. If your baby is older you may choose to go ahead and buy an umbrella stroller for the quick jaunts in stores, so that you don’t’ have to drag out your bigger stroller. Or you may decide just to retire your big stroller completely and keep the umbrella stroller for your use.

The strollers you need and use will change throughout your child’s journey from newborn to toddler. It is best for you to keep an open mind and be flexible, willing to adjust to your baby’s and your families needs.

There are many types of car seats available on the market today. In order to be able to make an informed decision it is best to check out car seat manufacturers. You can also check any consumer guide for information on recalls, seats that have been crash tested, the best type of restraint systems for your child. Before that even starts be aware of the fact that there are many types of car seats. The choice you make will be based on your prior research and your child’s needs. A note of caution: before you purchase a car seat check the manufacture’s recommendations and be sure the seat is compatible with your vehicle.

One type of car seat is the infant only car seat. This seat comes with a detachable base, comes with higher weight and height limits, harness slots that will help to change the seat from rear facing to front facing. The multiple slots can be adjusted to fit your baby. They also have handles that can be folded down while the child is in the car. They can be raised to make carrying your baby easier.

Convertible car seats are bigger and heavier and may not be appropriate for some newborns. The reclining position and ease of adjusting the harness are important assets. A convertible seat can be used rear facing for most newborns and front facing for older babies over twenty pounds. The American Pediatric Association recommends a child stay rear facing until s/he reaches the maximum weight and height listed by the manufacturer. The straps and are adjustable to a child’s size, the seat should be moved to the proper position for the weight and height of your baby. The seat belt should be threaded through the seat belt path.

Forward facing seats cannot be used in the rear facing position. They are only for children over a year old and over twenty pounds. They can be used with either a lap only or lap/shoulder belt system.

Combination seats also cannot be used in the rear facing position and are also only for babies over a year and over twenty pounds. It has an internal harness for children whose weight is between forty and fifty pounds. It can convert to a belt position booster seat by removing the harness for larger children. They can be used with lap only or lap/shoulder belts.

Booster seats come in different types. Some come with shield boosters that are padded bars that lock into position much like the handlebars on carnival rides. There are booster seats that come with a high back to support your child as s/he rides in a car. Some booster car seats are built into vans and some cars. Check with your vehicle manufacturer to be sure the seat will accommodate your child’s size. There are travel vests that attach to the seats with lap only belts.

Now that you know the types of car seats, there are things that must be considered in order to ensure the safety of your baby. Is the seat safe? How did it fare in crash testing? Is the restraint system easy to manipulate? If they are difficult to buckle your child in or remove him from the seat your child’s safety could be compromised. In an accident, a sudden stop, or quick swerve will the seat hold your child? If the seat moves in any way in these situations your baby could be at risk. The car seat should attach snugly to the seat if properly installed. With seats that have multiple belt slots to accommodate your child be sure you use the right one. The belt should be at your child’s shoulder level or just above.

Most newer car seats come with the LATCH (lower anchor and tethers for children) system. Installation is supposed to be easier but they are difficult to use and are not always safe. Parents complain that upon installing seats with this system there is too much slack, the seats have a tendency to move or slide out of position. In an emergency situation this could have seriously disastrous results. A company has created a tool called Mighty Tite that is used to pull in the slack and it has been safety tested and is recommended.

As previously stated check consumer guides and online sites for recalls. This is especially important if you have a used car seat. If you purchase your seat second-hand you need to inspect it thoroughly. Check that all belts and buckles are in good shape and working as recommended. Make sure the belts aren’t frayed or the buckles cracked. Check the frame for any breaks or gaps that your little one could get fingers stuck in or that are sharp. If you find such things don’t use the seat until you can get it repaired or replaced. If the seat comes with removable covers it is suggested that you remove them and wash them well. If it doesn’t have cloth covering you might want to buy some. A vinyl seat, could in the summer, burn your little one’s tender skin. In a desperate attempt to remedy this when my own child was an infant, I found a large towel and cut holes in it and place it on the seat so that anywhere my son’s skin would meet the seat, it was protected at least with the towel. If you are really creative you could make your own.

Be practical in purchasing your car seat. If you have an infant buy a seat that will convert to a front facing seat as your child grows. Infant seats also come with a base that remains installed while you are able to remove a sleeping child from the car without disturbing him too much. Some such infant seats can also attach to a stroller frame. This multi-use seat is practical and will save all the bending and unbuckling and buckling of seat belts and then stroller belts. The internal harness keeps your child appropriately restrained.

Let’s go over some important considerations in purchasing car seats. Keep in mind compatibility with your vehicle’s specifications. Check for recalls and safety testing- how did the seat fare in these situations? Is it the proper seat for the size of your child? Can the seat be converted from a rear and front facing seat – it is more economical to buy a convertible seat. Is the installation easy or does the seat seem to move around in the belt system? There is a tool called Mighty Tite that can take up any slack and make the seat secure in its position, thus enhancing your baby’s safety. Choose carefully and choose wisely, you are carrying very precious cargo.

About the Author:
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing tips and advice for consumers purchasing Baby Products, Baby Crib Bedding and Baby Strollers. His numerous articles offer tips and valuable insight on baby products.

Cooking
Never hold your baby in your arms when making a meal. Boiling water and oil from the foods you cook can quickly splash onto them. Use your back burners when possible and turn handles away from the front of the stove.

Pulling Up
Be prepared that before your baby starts walking he will start pulling himself up on your furniture. Be sure to have all heavy furniture, including the changing table, secured to the wall so it can not fall down on them.

Crib Safety
Double check that the crib is a safe place for your baby to lay. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart and bumpers should be removed by the age of five months or when your baby begins pulling herself up — whichever comes first. Never keep stuffed animals or loose bedding in the crib. If it is cold, put footed pajamas on your baby or put him in a wearable blanket.

Outlet Covers
Make sure all outlets are properly covered. Some believe that individual outlet covers come out easily and are a choking hazard, so you can now replace all electrical outlets with sliding outlet covers for added safety.

Bath Time
Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub. A baby can drown easily and quickly. If you are expecting a call that is that important, bring a cordless phone to the bathroom with you. In most cases the caller can leave a message. Prepare the towels, clothing, pajamas, diaper and lotions that you will need when your baby is done with his bath ahead of time so that you can stay by his side and keep him safe the entire time he is in water.

Windows
Do not place furniture that can be climbed on near windows. This is especially true in rooms that are not in your direct view, like your baby’s room, and during the summer when you might have your window open.

Medicines
Just because it is child resistant doesn’t mean that your baby can’t get it open. Remember to keep all medicines high up and out of your baby’s reach. For added security buy a lock to put on the cabinet.

Cleaners, etc.
Not only can medicines hurt your baby, but so can other products such as hair spray, mouthwash and your cleaning products. They should all be locked up or put up out of reach of your baby so that he does not accidentally get sick.

Car Seat
Your car seat is the one thing keeping your baby safe during an accident. Be sure to have a car seat inspection done by a member of the police department or someone certified in installing car seats. In a study completed by National Safe Kids Council, over 87 percent of car seats were installed improperly. Your child should always be in the back seat and rear-facing for an infant under one year and less than 20 pounds.

Infant Carrier’s
When your baby is in a carrier, never place it on a counter or high surface. She could easily wiggle and topple over, much faster than you will be able to react and catch it.

Clothing
Check baby’s clothing regularly for loose buttons, snaps, etc. Never use strings to attach the pacifier to baby’s crib or clothes and check that it is not getting old. If you sense there is something harmful in your baby’s clothing and you can not fix it, just throw it away. It is better safe than sorry.