Infant strollers are a bit different that a stroller for an older child. Infant strollers must fully recline because the newborns and up to 3 months cannot all manage the weight of their heads. We as adults must provide support to those huge brain-cases. Just as when we hold and cuddle our newborn, cradling her sweet-smelling, fuzzy cranium in the crook of our elbow, we need to be sure that her head is held fixed and not allowed to flop uncontrollably. Therefore, an infant stroller must hold the infant's head stable, also. An infant stroller must have a setting that will allow the child to fully recline. Carriages as infant strollers have their good points with washable covers and easy steering. But they are pricey, meaning hundreds of dollars, and a child will out grow them in the first year or so. Still, some parents choose a baby carriage. These are ideal for a very young baby and they add status for the parents. Certain models are designed to have the “bed” be removable and double as a bassinet, which can save money and be convenient when traveling for an overnight trip. However, most blogs say these carriages; they look like the old English prams; are extremely difficult to fold and stow in a car trunk. The bloggers also say the carriages are heavy and bulky, but steer like a dream. From the baby's perspective, however, the carriages are the idea infant stroller because they offer a feather-light ride as the huge wheels and suspension systems dampen every bump. Umbrella strollers are definitely not an infant stroller. They offer no support and require the infant to sit upright. Even with padding, umbrella strollers will not adequately support an infant. If you have an umbrella stroller, set aside for later. By the time baby is six months or older, he will be ready for short trips in the umbrella. The lightweight strollers can be infant strollers. Some do go to full recline position, some do not. To have your newborn comfortable and safe, make sure your light-weight stroller lies flat. Almost all mid-sized and full-sized strollers have a full recline position. Therefore, these make excellent infant strollers and have the added advantage of being able to accommodate you child as he grows and develops. A novel approach to the safely traveling newborn is a body hugging, chest cuddler. These infant strollers are more backpack-like than stroller-like. They are usually worn on the chest for a newborn. They have a built-in head support. Mom or Dad can wear the newborn and still have some use of their hands. However, if you ever see someone wearing one, you will notice that they keep one hand on the baby. So much to consider when choosing or buying an infant stroller. Do your homework. Check to make sure the infant stroller you choose will fully recline. Make sure the baby's head is secure. Test the ease of folding and unfolding (and if this is your first baby, try the fold and unfold test with one hand).
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