Baby Pushchairs and Strollers - Getting Ready For Your New Baby

There are many strollers available on the market and your choice will be determined by a number of factors such as price, functionality and style/personal choice. When looking for a stroller you will need to firstly consider the frame and construction of the push chair. Most strollers have aluminum frames and a light weight chassis which folds up easily and it is important that it folds up tightly with preferably a one step folding process. The ease with which you can fold it up and tuck it away is a vital factor for most would be mothers and accessories such as rain covers and it's weight will also be significant with some starting at only 15 pounds.

Something you should also be concerned about is the warranty that the stroller carries and this can range from 1 year to a lifetime warranty. When you fold up your stroller you will want it to fold up into a standing position and the best strollers do so by the front wheels disappearing between the back wheels and ready to be stored away in a space efficient way.

Interchangeable and washable liners will also be a factor in your decision as you will be looking at it for a long time and the availability of accessories such as shades, insect repellents, adjustable handles and a great color choice is important to many new moms. You can expect to pay anything from $50 up to $500 for your stroller and the more expensive ones feature a stroller frame with a removable car seat for baby.

Accessories that you can look for in your push chair include small trays for storage of baby's toys and there are even small trays for parents which attach to the handle and on which you can store some small knick knacks such as your cell phone. Another important feature you will need to consider is the brakes which need to be effective and those which work on all four wheels as opposed to just two are clearly safer for your loved one.

There are many choices to make to ensure that you do your best for your loved one.

To help you with your choices stop by Sarah's site http://BassinetBaby.org where she reviews Bassinet baby products which will definitely help you to make the right choice for your baby.

Baby Stroller Overviews

Superdad here, keeping you up to the minute on all things baby. I just got to go shopping for a new perambulation apparatus and was informed by the real power of the house that I needed to get the right kind of stroller.

The right kind of stroller?? It has wheels, you put the kid in it... what did she mean by kind of stroller?

How little did I know.

As it turns out, my survival instincts combined with my Superdad nature and I did a bit of research on strollers. Dads, listen up: there are TONS of different kinds of strollers out there. Save yourself some grief and check out what I found...

Regular or Standard Strollers: these strollers are what you see most of the time at the mall- not that Superdad spends a lot of time at the mall, but it's what you'd use there. It has a place for one kid to sit and maybe a little room underneath or behind for necessities- a few diapers, wipes, a bottle or two... that kind of thing.

But what if you need something for the flea market or church? Something for the back of the smaller car? This is when the Lightweight Stroller comes into play. Lightweight strollers are easily recognizable by their traditional umbrella handled push bars as well as how compact they can break down. Situations when you just need to get the kiddoes moved a very short distance or in a tight space usually warrant this kind of stroller. Generally, they weigh less, and take up less storage space but have fewer features than the others. Of all the types of strollers, the one you can't do without is the Lightweight Stroller.

So what if you have a newborn? You can't put a newborn in just any stroller; it's much smarter to opt for a Stroller Travel System. Stroller Travel Systems integrate car carriers into a medium weight stroller frame that is usually designed to grow with the child to a point. It's not unusual for these Stroller Travel Systems to stay in your home until your child is well into his toddler phase.

That covers most of the conventional stroller choices but there are a few others that you might have to consider if you fit the lifestyle:

Multiple Child Strollers, for those who didn't learn after having the first child. These come in just about every imaginable configuration from twins, to toddler plus twins, to quintuplets. They generally cost more than a normal model but you have to get those rascals around somehow.

Active Strollers are for those of us who would like to stay in shape- these strollers incorporate larger wheels and are designed for the kind of tough treatment you might expect when bringing baby out on the jogging trail or even behind your bike. Common features include hand brakes, larger tires, and lower centers of gravity.

Prams or Fashion Strollers- Remember those old Tom & Jerry cartoons with the stroller with the large wheels, the raised up sun bonnet, the shopping cart handle and the little tyke inside facing mommy? Well, a few things have changed besides the fact that Superdad is just as likely to be the one pushing but the basic design remains. Think of these strollers less as vehicles for moving the kids from A to B, but more of a mobile crib or travelling basinet.

That's it for today's Superdad report... you're now more than ready to get your new edition the right stroller.

I would check out http://www.babyearth.com/baby-strollers.html for Baby Strollers and other baby related products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_K_Brashear

Financial Mistakes that Could Ruin Your Child's College Experience

Whether a child is the first to attend college in the family or the 41st, there is one major area in his or her life that will be dramatically affected by what parents say or do. This life experience involves how your child deals with his or her finances while attending college. Without effective parental planning, wisdom, patience, and most of all money, your child will most likely not complete college for reasons other than being unmotivated, distracted, or disinterested and they will have you to blame.

The following financial tips have been provided based on reasons why some people leave college and to help you evaluate what you have been saying or doing that may be causing more harm than good.

The worst mistake many parents do is send their children off to college without a college savings plan, sufficient grants and scholarships to help foot the bill, and no financial contribution from the family. Why encourage the child to go to a four-year university that you know you can't afford?

Parents will also make the mistake of not bothering to research other schooling that may be more affordable for all. Although college is a great choice it is not the only choice. There are trade and business schools that have programs that complete in months rather than years. Know where they are, how much they cost, programs offered, and whether your son and daughter would be willing to attend one of them. If he or she isn't paying for college, they may not have a choice.

Co-signing on loans has put a strain on many relationships between parents and children. Why allow them to take out loans knowing you nor they won't be able to pay even the minimum for a while. Deferring the loans also known as temporarily stopping payment until he or she can pay only allows the loan to accrue interest.

What about opening a credit card account for your child? If it isn't absolutely necessary, don't do it. Instead, purchase a debit card for him or her that gives you greater control over their finances until they show they are responsible. Although they can still open a credit card account on their own, be sure you remind them what will happen if they don't meet the payments each month. Talk to them about their credit report, credit score, and how it affects their future purchases. Show them how to use credit cards to build income like starting their own business, buying property or investing in mutual funds. When you encourage your child to use credit cards to pay for groceries, entertainment, rent, books, and transportation, you are teaching them that everything is an emergency no matter how small.

The time will come that you will grow tired of sending them money and will want them to get a job. If you want them to work while attending college, be prepared for them to reduce the amount of classes they take. It is rare for a college student to work a college work-study, a full time job, and carry a full time credit load, most often there just isn't enough time in the day to do it all. If you know that you don't have any intention of helping your child with their bills while attending college, then at least keep your eyes open for employers in your area hiring. Review his or her cover letter and resume while providing suggestions. Send them a book of stamps or offer to mail their resume to employers.

Withholding money to get your children to behave may have worked when he or she was a teenager, but for the young adult it can only aid in bitter feelings. Find another way to send a message that you want him or her to straighten up when they are failing classes such as being silent. Your silence will make them feel you are disappointed in them and they will either respect how you feel and see that they get their work done. You may want to reduce the money you send, but don't cut them off completely. You don't want them to blame you for not being able to purchase a book they needed for class.

When you haven't been the best example with your finances, you can't expect your children to do better than you. Rather be candid with the mistakes you made and show them what they are doing that is causing problems now and in the future with regard to their finances. Be a fortuneteller and provide them with a crystal ball of what their future holds.

Why do parents expect their children to acknowledge family holidays even though they know their children have no money? Don't put that kind of pressure on them when you know that you are barely giving them enough money to buy their personal products. Tell them you don't expect them to buy anything during holidays.

Parents will expect their children to use their financial aid money for their basic needs, rather than tell them to save it and use that to make future payments on their tuition and/or books. What's even worse, some parents expect children to send some of their financial aid money to them.

You busy college student will need for you to make the time to teach them how to manage their finances. Don't do this until you have your own financial situation together. Remember to seek professional advice for matters you don't understand.

For more articles by Nicholl McGuire, Click Here!

Child Sexual Abuse - Signs And Symptoms

Sexual abuse has affected millions of children throughout the world. Child sexual abuse is defined as: An adult using a child for sexual purposes. This can be in the form of child pornography, submitting children to look at pornography, fondling, touching, kissing, sodomy, exposing oneself to a child, rape, oral sex, intercourse, or having the child touch the adult. All children will react differently to this type of trauma. There is no one single identifiable sign or symptom that all children will have. They may have very subtle symptoms or they may have very pronounced symptoms. I have gathered a list of symptoms that children of sexual abuse are often seen to have.

Bedwetting (after being potty trained)

Waking up in the night screaming, nightmares or other sleeping problems

Showing an unusual fear of certain people, places or things

A reluctance to be with a certain person

Loss of appetite or trouble eating

Fear of the bathroom

Excessive crying

Mood changes, anger outbursts or withdrawal or fear

Becomes worried when clothing is removed

Wearing layers of clothing

Age inappropriate knowledge of sex

Imitating sexual acts with other children or toys, such as dolls

Withdrawing from activities they used to be involved in

Difficulty walking or sitting

Complains of pain with urination or bowel movement

Bleeding from the genital area or anus

Academic problems

Lowered self esteem

Symptoms of PTSD such as panic attacks

Somatic complaints

Regression of behavior

Having new words for private body parts

Excessive masturbation

These are all symptoms of child sexual abuse. One common feeling I have found in working with children and adolescents, is guilt. Children usually feel guilt over the abuse that occurred. It is important to remember that under no circumstance is a child ever responsible for what happened to them. It is crucial that “re- victimization” does not happen. Some ways a child can be re- victimized is by saying to the child:

“Uncle Joey, or Grandpa Bob would never do that to you, why are you lying?”

“It couldn’t of been that bad, or you would have told me sooner”

Child sexual abuse victims usually carry this trauma with them for the rest of their lives. Some children as they begin to get older will start using drugs, get into relationships with others who are abusive, see themselves as “damaged goods” and begin acting out sexually. Engage is self mutilation, such as cutting behaviors. Some children gain weight or don’t take care of themselves so they look “unattractive” to others.

There is hope. Finding the proper treatment for past trauma can be influential on how they cope with this as an adult. Rape crisis centers are usually available in most states. There is also a national rape crisis center. They are a full service agency that addresses prevention, education, crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy. They work with both children and adults. There is also a 24 hour hotline available at the national rape crisis center, for parents or victims of sexual abuse.

About the Author
Wendy McLellan is a licensed mental health and substance abuse counselor, with more than sixteen years of experience. She has recently devoted time to the efforts of http://www.safecomputerkids.com in their goal to provide parental internet safety tools and resources to the public.

Things You Will Absolutely Need Before The Baby Comes Home

This list was created for the mother and father who simply can't afford to buy all the fancy things that are available in stores for babies. Their budget is limited and they are only concerned with the necessities. Since many new parent checklists are long and costly, consider the one following this article. It is short and inexpensive, then later when you have more money you can splurge on the luxuries.

When you are deciding exactly how much to buy, think in terms of days of the week and how often you think you might need to change the baby's t-shirts, diapers, blankets, etc. A baby when first brought home will sometimes be changed as much as 8-10 times a day, using about three to four wipes between changes, and feed every two hours. During those feedings he or she may vomit which will require changing burping blankets and possibly clothes. Also, you will have to determine how often you will be taking the baby outdoors and overnight stays with family, then approximate how many outfits you will need. Consider adding an extra outfit in the diaper bag in case of accidents. If you will be primarily at home with baby, then you will want to buy body suits, side snap shirts, pull over shirts and/or gowns first. You won't need every style of baby t-shirts that are in the store. The most popular are the baby body suits. Be sure to have at least one outfit for the baby in the hospital for photos and homecoming.

1. Car Seat with a Sun Shader & Stroller with a place to carry bags
2. Homecoming Outfit
3. Burping & Swaddle Blankets
4. Stage One bottles & Bottle Warmer (If breast feeding, pump, bottles and breast milk storage bags.)
5. Diapers & (large) Diaper Bag
6. Baby Wipes & Wipes Warmer
7. Baby Body Suits & Socks
8. Caps & Booties
9. Bassinet or Crib (you don't need to have both, some babies never connect with the bassinet.)
10. Bassinet or Crib Sheets
11. Netting for Bassinet or Crib (only if you have another child, pet or problems with insects or rodents.)
12. Changing table with vinyl pad (easy to wipe off messes)
13. A three or four drawer dresser
14. Diaper pail with refill bags
15. Baby Carrier
16. Body Wash
17. Shampoo
18. Lotion
19. Cotton Swabs and/or Cotton Balls
20. Petroleum Jelly
21. Baby Mittens (baby's nails grow quickly and at times he/she will scratch face.)
22. Nail Clippers
23. Brush & Comb
24. Digital Theromometer
25. Humidifier
26. Bath towels and washcloths
27. Swing
28. Bouncer/Rocker
29. Travel Mirror
30. Bottle Brush
31. Dishwasher Caddy
32. Pacifier
33. Camera
34. Thank You Notes
35. Rocking Chair

NOTE: Although not listed, an infant positioner is a good investment if you need peace of mind that the baby may roll over on to his or her stomach or roll off the bed or couch.

The list above is basic. As he or she grows older, then you can get the High Chair, Play Yard, Baby Gym, Jumper, books, dvds, cds, bath toys, etc. when their neck and back enable them to sit upright. Save the money for what you feel your baby and you will need as situations arise. There are plenty of things most parents don't need, but if someone wants to splurge on your behalf, by all means accept their gifts with gratitude, even if you don't need it. You can always sell the items later at a flea market or online auction. Hope this list helps you prioritize your baby's needs, save money for now and direct it to other things such as lots and lots of formula, diapers and wipes!!