Stroller Guide
Bobo Team • All you need to know • 3 min read
Choosing the right stroller and baby carrier is an essential part of preparing for your new arrival. These items are crucial for ensuring your baby's safety and comfort while providing convenience for you. Here’s what Canadian parents need to consider when buying a stroller and other ways of carrying babies or children.
Choosing the Right Stroller
1. Types of Strollers
There are various types of strollers, each designed for different needs and lifestyles:
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Full-Sized Strollers: These are sturdy and durable, offering the most comfort and features but can be bulky and expensive.
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Umbrella Strollers: Lightweight and portable, these are ideal for travel but may not be suitable for newborns.
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Jogging Strollers: Designed for active parents, these strollers provide a smooth ride on various terrains but can be heavy and unwieldy in tight spaces.
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Travel System Strollers: These combine a stroller and car seat, providing convenience but can be bulky.
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Double Strollers: Perfect for twins or siblings close in age, these strollers offer two seats but can be large and heavy.
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Pram Strollers: Classic baby carriages that allow for full reclining, ideal for newborns but often pricey and less portable.
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2. Safety Features
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Five-Point Harness: Ensures your baby is securely strapped in.
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Quality Wheels: Look for sturdy wheels that can handle various terrains.
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Brakes: Ensure the stroller has reliable brakes that are easy to use.
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Sun Canopy: Protects your baby from sun, rain, and wind.
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Washable Fabric: Babies are messy, so choose a stroller with easy-to-clean fabric.
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3. Practical Considerations
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Budget: Strollers range from $100 to $1,500. Determine your budget and find a stroller that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
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Portability: Consider how easy it is to fold and transport the stroller, especially if you use public transportation or have limited storage space.
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Storage: Look for strollers with ample storage space for diapers, bags, and other essentials.
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Longevity: Choose a stroller that can grow with your baby and potentially accommodate future siblings.
Other Ways of Carrying Babies or Children
1. Baby Carriers
Baby carriers come in various styles, each offering different benefits:
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Wraps: Long pieces of fabric that you wrap around your body to carry your baby. They offer versatility but can be tricky to master.
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Ring Slings: Fabric slings with a ring for adjustment. They are easy to use and great for quick trips.
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Soft Structured Carriers: These have padded straps and buckles for support and are suitable for longer periods of use.
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Meh Dai (Mei Tai): A hybrid between a wrap and a structured carrier, offering comfort and support.
2. Safety Tips for Baby Carriers
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Tight Fit: Ensure the carrier is snug and supports your baby's back.
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In View at All Times: Your baby's face should be visible to you.
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Close Enough to Kiss: Your baby's head should be close enough to kiss.
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Keep Chin Off Chest: Ensure there is space between your baby's chin and chest to prevent airway obstruction.
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Supported Back: Your baby's back should be supported in a natural position.
3. Practical Tips
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Comfort: Choose a carrier that distributes weight evenly to avoid strain on your back and shoulders.
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Adjustability: Look for carriers that can be adjusted to fit different body types and carrying positions.
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Seasonal Considerations: Ensure the carrier is suitable for different weather conditions to keep your baby comfortable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stroller and baby carrier involves considering your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. Safety, comfort, and practicality should be your top priorities. By understanding the different types of strollers and carriers and their features, you can make an informed decision that will keep your baby safe and comfortable while providing convenience for you.
Sources
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Health Canada. (2023, March 08). Baby product safety. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/nursery-products.html
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Health Canada. (2023, October 26). Baby sling and carrier safety. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/infant-care/baby-slings-carriers.html
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Raising Children Network. (2024, June 13). Baby carrier and sling safety. https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/safety/equipment-furniture/baby-carrier-sling-safety
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Health Canada. (2008). Canadian guidelines for body weight classification in adults. [PDF]. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2014/sc-hc/H128-1-08-535-eng.pdf
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Lancaster General Health. (n.d.). 7 tips for safe babywearing. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/7-tips-for-safe-babywearing
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Graham, A. (2022, May 03). 10 things to consider when buying a stroller. Mom's Choice Awards. https://www.momschoiceawards.com/blog/10-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-stroller/
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