mtc@edsel.UUCP (MT Chiosi) (12/06/85)
I am looking for an infant stroller. Does anyone know of any good articles which evaluate strollers? What type of 'options' should I be looking for? What are my choices?
paver@milano.UUCP (R. Paver) (12/07/85)
Having 3 children and just as many strollers, here's my two cents worth. We've never had a carriage so I can't help you there. Choose your stroller(s) based on how you intend to use them. If you really plan to stroll, that is take the baby for long walks, possibly on rough surfaces, get a heavier duty stroller with large wheels and a sturdy frame. On the other hand, if you'll be using the stroller to go shopping at the mall or to get the baby through the airport on the way to Grandma's, get a lightweight, umbrella-type stroller. Our current stroller is somewhat of a compromise between these two extremes. It's an Aprica (the yuppie stroller). It's a midweight with a sturdy aluminum frame. It has good wheels and folds/unfolds very easily--a big plus when you've only got one hand free. It's a little large for airplane travel, but is acceptable. Fortunately it was a gift (from a group of people) because they're terribly over-priced (as is most baby stuff). Other features to think about: - Soft (fabric) seats vs. those with a rigid back/bottom. - The seat angle should be adjustable to keep up with baby's growth. - The little sun roofs are a pain, but nice to have when the sun's beating down. - Extra pouches have never been of much use to us. - If the stroller pusher is extra tall, think about handle height. It's a great way to get a sore back!
pfau@ihuxm.UUCP (l pfau) (12/10/85)
> I am looking for an infant stroller. Does anyone > know of any good articles which evaluate strollers? > What type of 'options' should I be looking for? > What are my choices? First, make sure that it is easy to push (some are not believe it or not). It should also be easy to open and close. For newborns, it should recline and have a sun shield. I have even seen some that have a wind shield. After I had already bought mine, I saw one in a catalog that had a reversible handle, which would be great so you could always keep the baby out of the sun and wind. I think it was by Century and not terribly expensive. My baby was born May 84 and since I took 6 months off from work, I really used the stroller a lot last summer. This summer, however, I used very little, because once a child learns to walk, they don't like to ride around any more. Thus, I would not spend a fortune on a stroller, since it seem that at most you will use it a lot one season. Also important is a basket attachment to put diaper bags, etc when you are shopping or at the zoo. I don't care much for the umbrella strollers, I don't think they are comfortable for the child and totally useless for a newborn. Actually, my baby liked the front baby carrier best when he was very small; make sure you get one of those. Good luck Lynn Pfau AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville
tappan@famous.DEC (Kelly Tappan CX01-2/N22 522-2377/2681) (12/11/85)
--------------------Reply to mail dated 6-DEC-1985 12:51-------------------- >know of any good articles ? No, but the local library should have Consumers Reports/Digest with plenty of info on crash tests and the like. Also baby mag's sometimes have evaluations. You might ask the Pediatrician if he has any literature on this. >What type of 'options' should I be looking for? If you mean features, as I'm assuming, the one's we like are: Fast, single-handed opening ability Can be closed only by the adult! Clip-type seat belt Toe actuated parking brake Detachable sun bonnet Detachable basket Molded plastic seat and foot rest >What are my choices? These where our choices: 1st was a thing made by GERRY, I think, that seemed fairly rigid and well made, but the materials decomposed rapidly. We showed this to the sales rep. and he said we were useing it too much! 2nd was the MAXI-TAXI. This unit has all of the above features, however it is fairly heavy and doesn't collapse flatter than about 6 or 7 inches. This lead to the 3rd choice. We exchanged the Maxi-Taxi with a friend, for something like an umbrella stroller. It folded flat and was light. It had no casters on the front wheels, no sun bonnet. It could be and was collapsed by the child, while seated. I would recommend a backpack with shoulder pads if you want "flat and light"! Cindy says the Aprica is "Real nice! But, real expensive!" Our friends in California have one for their "nice stroller." Good luck with your choice. Kelly Tappan Colorado Springs, Co. decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-{famous,amos,fig,newton}!tappan