I am currently 25+ weeks pregnant and I’ve just started making a baby registry. I had no idea how daunting this process would be! It’s much more complicated than a wedding registry- I have no idea what I need! Today I’m investigating strollers.
As somewhat of an exercise buff, I initially thought that I would only get a jogging stroller- with those sturdy wheels, jogging strollers seem like they would be perfect under any circumstances- WRONG! Apparently, jogging strollers should not be used for children less than 6months of age. Moreover, jogging strollers do not fold as easily as other strollers and therefore are more cumbersome to transport. Also, their big wheels can make them awkward to maneuver in tight spaces- like those you might find in the mall…
Next option to consider- the shape/style of the stroller. While most strollers are forward facing, some strollers have the option of being forward or rear facing. This option is appealing as it allows mothers to position their newborn so they can easily peak in on her as they go for a walk. Many of the rear facing strollers are also adjustable- featuring different settings for newborns and older babies. Another feature to consider- in some strollers the seat is elevated so that the baby has a better view of peoples faces rather than their legs.
A couple other considerations: I want to make sure the stroller is sturdy and won’t tumble over on uneven ground or under the burden of a few shopping bags. I also want to have adequate storage space for a diaper bag, bottles, etc. No one wants to be carrying around extra bags while they’re out for a walk.
Yikes- so much info and I’m no closer to making a decision. I think this is an item best bought after careful in-store evaluation. I think I’ll make a trip to Babys R Us to try out a few different brands.
In the mean time, here are a few cool websites that helped me narrow down my selection:
Parents.com (excellent site recommended by my sister-in-law)!
BabyCenter
If you’ve had a baby, you’ve been there- staring at the wall of nipples and bottles at the baby super store, in a daze. I clearly remember total confusion- which brand? which style? how many? I was going to nurse so I wanted to have a bottle a nursed baby would accept… and this was just the start of it. It is a crazy maze of figuring out what you need, how much and which are the best brands. There are a lot of unnecessary products out there that prey on new moms’ insecurity and inexperience with babies. Back when I registered, my best resource were my friends who had babies. I asked tons of questions and used their reviews to help me decide what to get. Even so I fell victim in the store and registered for a slew of things we ended up not needing.
My sister in-law is expecting her first baby, and I am trying to help her make her way through the process of registering. There is a lot to talk about so I am just going to hit on the major items here and offer advice on researching the real necessities. First you need a good list of what you’ll need. I found two good ones, one is a basics list and the other is the everything and then-some list. The basics list is a good guide to your absolute needs, but leaves out some of the nice extras that make your life easier, and the everything list is a good complete list but still includes a few things you can do without. Like the canopy cover, the peek a boo cover- I don’t even know what it is? Again talk to your friends and family and have then look at the lists with you and X off some other things you won’t need.
Once you figure out what you need off the lists start checking reviews online and from friends regarding some of the big ticket items and do safety research on car seats, cribs and strollers. Here are some links to guides that may help with your selections: Strollers and a Brief Review of ‘07 Strollers
Strollers are an item that has a huge variation in price, style and functionality, it is a good idea to take one for a stroll (if they’ll let you go around the block- do it!)
Elitecarseats.com has a very good selection of car seats and strollers with lots of advice in choosing the right ones. A list of Top Car Seats and links to lots of Car Seat Questions.
Crib and Bassinet Reviews, Crib Buying Guide and a Baby Furniture Guide to help decide what best suits your needs.
More Useful Reviews on Baby Products including the best baby carriers, activity toys, playards, bottles and more.
As always- please feel free to comment with your suggestions, resources and ideas on how to make the best choices registering for your baby.
Good luck and happy shopping!
