Archive for July, 2010

Pink Umbrella Stroller for a Baby Girl

There are a lot of pink umbrella stroller types on the market parents have to choose from. In this article parents will find out what options do they have, and what to look for. Depending on what type, what features, and what model parents choose will determine what price their new model will cost.

High-End Pink Umbrella Stroller

High-end models are manufactured out of top quality materials and built to last for many years. Generally, they have much better wheel suspension and are more durable when compared to cheap ones. Moms and dads should expect foam insulated height adjustable handlebars. For a single model these are more expensive at around $450 to $600 in the United States. However, shopping around can mean making real savings.

The Maclaren Juicy Couture is a complete, suitable from birth, year round stroller that has almost everything parents need. It is perfect for fashion conscious on-the-go moms and dads who require a reliable stroller for year-round use. Not only is it stylish, but it is very easy to maneuver as well. All four wheels have suspension to smooth out uneven terrain and provide a very comfortable ride. This model is made to cope with all of the little one’s requirements. It features 4 reclining seat positions, easily adjustable footrest for the growing child, head huger for comfort and safety, cozy shoulder pads, and a 5-sec one-hand compact fold. Therefore, moms will never get caught out by a rain shower. This powder pink and brown stroller gives moms the entire wow factor they want. And the price tag – real bargain, $450.

Cheap Pink Umbrella Stroller

For those moms and dads searching for a budget stroller, cheap ones don’t generally offer a lot of convenient features. They’re usually forward facing featuring fixed position handlebars. Furthermore, they’re usually a lot harder to maneuver. On the other hand, they serve a function in being a far less expensive alternative and quite convenient second stroller for time-to-time use.

The popular budget model is the Evenflo XSport. It is one of the least expensive, it retails for around $40 in the United States. Surprisingly (or maybe not) it comes equipped with quite a wide range of features including a fully rotating removable sun canopy, parent console with 2 cup holders, large storage basket, and height adjustable handles. Perhaps it is the least expensive piece of baby girl gear featuring an adjustable handle height. Furthermore, it weighs only 10.1 pounds and is forward facing. Weather-covers and hideaway boot may be included as well. Unlike a lot of other pink strollers this will not ‘hurt’ your eyes. This one is very stylish and definitely not a standard girlie hue.

These are both forward facing units. However, stylish moms and dads want to have their infant or their bigger child facing back when traveling. Also, there’s a study to suggest that this is perfect for kids. Back facing strollers are becoming more and more popular. Unfortunately, parents will not find many of these back facing pink umbrella strollers in shops.



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Umbrella Stroller Safety Tips

Pushing an umbrella stroller may appear to be easy however parents quite often make mistakes in setting it up and using it. Below are several typical mistakes as well as useful tips on how to avoid these mistakes so that the stroller does not become a hazardous ride for the baby.

Choosing the Appropriate Model That Will Perfectly Suit Parents’ Needs

Unless they are infant car-seat compatible, the majority of jogging (or running) models aren’t good for small babies younger than six months of age. These strollers are usually misplaced for all-terrain ones. What’s more, they can also be displayed incorrectly in baby gear shops. Nonetheless, they must not be used for jogging unless the manufacturer’s label says it is safe to do so.

Used Umbrella Strollers

A model bought several years ago for an older sibling may have since been recalled. Parents should check with the lead agency in implementing and enforcing safety standards before getting one. Also, in case the particular stroller has not been recalled, there’re several other good reasons parents may want to think about getting a brand-new one. Baby gear safety standards are frequently reviewed therefore new models can be a much smarter pick. Newer ones can come with many new features which make them much easier to use.

Unlocking the Stroller Safely

It is quite simple not to do this (important) step correctly when parents’ are in a hurry, and certain models require some force and effort in order to ensure they lock properly. Parents should listen for the buckle-click each time, or the umbrella stroller can accidentally fold in—with the little one inside.

Using the Harness

Parents can never tell when they will hit a rock which can cause a bad tumble. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that the child is properly strapped in.

Stroller is not a Shopping Cart

Moms and dads usually toss a baby bag or handbag around the handlebars. On the other hand, in case the stroller is not meant to carry the additional load, it will simply tip over. Having a storage basket underneath the stroller seat is helpful. However parents should ensure to check the directions for weight limits before they fit bags in the basket.

Brakes

It does not take a big incline to send the unit rolling away from the parent. Parents must put their foot on the brake if they take both of their hands off the handles, even in case they are stopping only for a couple of seconds or so.

Jogging Umbrella Stroller – Not Recommended before the Baby is 6 Months Old

A lot of baby gear producers suggest the baby has to be at least eight weeks of age (or older) to ride safely in a running stroller. However, many physicians say that a child has to be at least six months of age, able to sit up straight, and have proper head support to withstand the jarring ride. Certain Jogging Umbrella Stroller such as BOB Revolution Duallie Stroller (however, keep in mind that jogging strollers are not considered to be standard umbrella strollers) are designed to accommodate an infant however that does not mean parents should jog or run with the infant.



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Umbrella Stroller Ratings Chart

The umbrella stroller ratings are based upon (but not limited to) weekly data collected from consumer reviews on websites like amazon.com. The ratings are subjected to testing for consistency. We test strollers for handling characteristics, maneuverability as well as safety. Below are detailed explanations.

Handling characteristics – or as we like to call them “parent and baby friendly features.” We evaluate the following factors:

  • Folding and unfolding (how easy is it to fold and unfold plus how small it folds)
  • Carrying (the quality of the carry handle vs. weight and bulk)
  • Brakes (quality and ease of use)
  • Harness (adjustability, padding, 3-point or 5-point)
  • Backrest (comfort and padding)
  • Car seat compatibility (plus how easy is it to attach and remove one)
  • Storage basket (access, size and quality)

Maneuverability – we measure stroller’s maneuverability when going down and uphill; over uneven terrain, grass as well as gravel.

Safety – Tests include in particular:

  • Harness system tests
  • Stability tests
  • Sun canopy tests

Raters may discuss and modify inconsistent ratings if appropriate.

Handling Weight Durability Maneuvering Safety

Chicco Liteway

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kolcraft iBaby

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jeep g-Edition

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Combi Cosmo

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Maclaren Volo

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Maclaren Triumph

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Inglesina Swift

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Evenflo XSport

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Britax Blink

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Comments and umbrella stroller ratings can be left below.

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Umbrella Stroller Alternatives

Definitely the most annoying thing about travels with infants as well as slightly older children is the confinement to an umbrella stroller. On the other hand, there’re tones of viable alternatives.

Generally, it can be quite surprising just how frequently parents do need an alternative. Even something as simple as sightseeing in a breathtaking ancient downtown is a pain (parents know where) as moms and dads try to maneuver in crowds.

Once parents get into things such as visiting places with an outdoor component, mountaineering, hitting town subways with escalators etc, it can become a big problem. Simply maneuvering in an airport or busy railway station is a problem with an umbrella stroller however it’s feasible.

Parents usually find themselves spending a lot of time hunting for pavement as well as elevators than they really do enjoying their vacation and trip.

The sling can make a good option, especially for infants and smaller children. Before parents go this route for a thing such as outing or travel, they should get used to the baby sling by practicing at home. Slings are great alternatives. What’s more, there’s a subtle comfort to see them at peace and rest.

Another good alternative to move around the town with a small child is a baby carrier. A lot of times, when children are past the newborn stage, they can be forward facing. Therefore, they can see what is going on around them.

In case a parent has a bigger child or a small toddler, a backpack carrier is generally the one and only choice. Parents should ensure to check weight limits carefully and to constantly keep in mind that those limits include both baby and anything fitted inside the backpack.

Also a nice alternative which combines the practicality of stroller-free movement however still retains some safety is a tether of some kind.

Unquestionably, parents will get some looks from other moms and dads who believe it is not nice to leash a baby. On the other hand, these moms and dads do not have kids of their own. Without any doubt, it is not insensitive to keep a baby from harm’s way with a tether.

Furthermore, there’re several new convenient alternatives, like a cute little teddy bear backpacks the toddler wears which are basically attached by tether to the mom or dad. The one and only true disadvantage is what to do in case the child gets tired during the walk in the local park, for example. In case parents do not have an umbrella stroller handy, they will be carrying their toddler.

It may sounds quite strange to advice strollers as alternatives to strollers. On the other hand, there’re several solutions that give advantages over one. Actually, a parent should think about getting an ultra-lightweight umbrella stroller (such as Maclaren Volo) for when either a parent or their baby gets too tired for the alternatives mentioned.

The fact is that these units are a good solution for situations such as hopping onto buses where standard umbrella plus strollers are not allowed, or even to have a place to put the sleepy baby. They still are hard to lug around for a long time. On the other hand, it is possible to buy one with carry straps and with carrying cases as well.

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Best Umbrella Stroller Ratings System

umbrellastrollerguide.com reviews umbrella strollers for safety, ease of use, durability and handling. Ratings are based on parent reviews.

The core of our umbrella stroller ratings system is derived from the reality that neither the producers nor some moms and dads parents are really going to tell you the whole story.

That is why we only rate umbrella strollers with a minimum of five full-length parent reviews (this is a great sing of the overall success of the particular umbrella stroller as well as the necessity to review it for other interested moms and dads).

But how do we do it? Basically, we compile every available bit of first-hand parent information on a particular umbrella stroller (blogs, consumer reviews as well as other relevant sources) and systematically analyze this data using our standardized point system.

There is a lot of buzz about trendy high-end strollers from Stokke and Quinny. Just for instance, the price for the Stokke Xplory is $1,000! What’s more, that is the price for the basic model that sells without a bassinet accessory. On the other hand, in consumer reviews, testing does not reveal that handling as well as durability is that much better when compared to some other, reasonably priced ones. As a matter of fact, testing reveals several compromises. Just for instance, the Stokke Xplory does not feature a shopping basket. There is only a small zippered pouch. Not only does that help the stroller look streamlined, it means that a parent has got no place to stash a baby bag or other necessities.

This is the main reason why we consulted hundreds of full-length consumer-written reviews, comparing expert advice with field reports from moms and dads using these umbrella strollers each day.

In order to make the report card, we stream-lined and defined all of the relevant umbrella stroller issues all moms and dads have to think about before getting an umbrella stroller such as:

  • Overall ease of use and flexibility (for example, reclining and folding mechanism)
  • Stroller weight and stroller’s bulk when folded
  • Durability
  • Handling and roughness of ride
  • How safe and comfortable mom and dad as well as the baby are when using the stroller

We refined these five categories into the three overarching ratings: comfort, safety, and convenience. Next, we take into account the relative importance of each of these ratings i.e. safety is weighted more than convenience, and the convenience is weighted a little bit more than comfort. As a final result, we get average ratings, giving an overall rating for every umbrella stroller.

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