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
Baby Car Seats
Your baby undoubtedly deserves nothing more than the most comfortable and safest car seats, but with the hundreds of choices that all seem to offer different features, how do you know which is best? Use this guide to help you decide.
The features you should look for in a car seat should change as your baby grows. You typically start with a rear-facing seat for an infant, and then progress to a forward-facing child seat for toddlers, and then to a booster seat for bigger children. Let us discuss what you should look for in each type.
Rear-facing seats are designed for infants under twelve months. Look for a seat that is big enough to support the baby’s head, neck, and spine. If your baby’s head goes higher than the top part of the seat, get a bigger size or graduate to a car seat designed for toddlers.
Choose a rear-facing seat with sturdy harnesses – the more support, the better. Five-point harness straps support the shoulders, hips, and the crotch, but can be quite restricting. There are three-point versions available, which adequately secure the baby’s shoulders and crotch. You may have to pay a few extra dollars for added features such as detachable bases that can be secured to your car, or adjustable bases, but these add-ons are more than worth it. Some models even have convertible seats, which are great if you have a big or a fast-growing baby.
Forward-facing car seats are needed when your baby is already a year old or older. Remember to install this seat on your back seat, not your front seat, because your airbags can injure your child or cause him or her to suffocate in the event of a collision.
Booster seats are for children ages four to six. These seats are designed much like adult car seats, with a seatbelt that supports both the rib cage and the hips. Fasten and adjust the belt just like you would your own seatbelt – the belt should go over the hips (not the tummy), and the strap should support the shoulder (not the neck).
Car Seats provides detailed information on Car Seats, Baby Car Seats, Dog Car Seats, Heated Car Seats and more. Car Seats is affiliated with Custom Car Seat Covers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy
The features you should look for in a car seat should change as your baby grows. You typically start with a rear-facing seat for an infant, and then progress to a forward-facing child seat for toddlers, and then to a booster seat for bigger children. Let us discuss what you should look for in each type.
Rear-facing seats are designed for infants under twelve months. Look for a seat that is big enough to support the baby’s head, neck, and spine. If your baby’s head goes higher than the top part of the seat, get a bigger size or graduate to a car seat designed for toddlers.
Choose a rear-facing seat with sturdy harnesses – the more support, the better. Five-point harness straps support the shoulders, hips, and the crotch, but can be quite restricting. There are three-point versions available, which adequately secure the baby’s shoulders and crotch. You may have to pay a few extra dollars for added features such as detachable bases that can be secured to your car, or adjustable bases, but these add-ons are more than worth it. Some models even have convertible seats, which are great if you have a big or a fast-growing baby.
Forward-facing car seats are needed when your baby is already a year old or older. Remember to install this seat on your back seat, not your front seat, because your airbags can injure your child or cause him or her to suffocate in the event of a collision.
Booster seats are for children ages four to six. These seats are designed much like adult car seats, with a seatbelt that supports both the rib cage and the hips. Fasten and adjust the belt just like you would your own seatbelt – the belt should go over the hips (not the tummy), and the strap should support the shoulder (not the neck).
Car Seats provides detailed information on Car Seats, Baby Car Seats, Dog Car Seats, Heated Car Seats and more. Car Seats is affiliated with Custom Car Seat Covers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy
You Don't Need a "Supernanny" to Be an Active Parent
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been joined by a similar nanny-to-the-rescue show called "Supernanny." These shows depict families in which the children are extremely out of control, rebellious, spoiled or otherwise quite a handful. The nannies come in for a week (from sunrise to bedtime each day), helping the family get back on track by teaching the parents effective parenting skills and modeling these skills firsthand with the children.
I have to admit to having only seen one episode of "Nanny 911," but, speaking as a parenting educator, I was impressed. The nanny sent to the rescue knew her stuff. She taught the parents to set limits, how to discipline using logical consequences and how to be firm and calm at the same time. She was good enough--and here's a huge compliment coming--to have been an Active Parenting leader. In fact, at one point, as the passive father is learning to be more involved, these words appear on the screen: "Father is becoming a more active parent."
Although I'm not a big reality TV fan in general, I think these two particular shows can be of real value to a lot of parents. They provide useful information and teach good parenting skills. Let's face it--if it works with these dysfunctional families, these skills will probably work for you, too!
And here's the good news: you don't have to be on a reality show to learn effective parenting skills. Parenting classes are available all over the country. You can watch the videos, consult with a parent educator, and share ideas with other parents just like you. To find one in your community, check with your child's school guidance counselor. Many classes are also listed on our web site.
But however you decide to improve your family life, please keep making the effort. Parenting is not the only influence on a child's life...but it's the one you can do the most about.
Author: Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D.
Dr. Popkin is a former child and family therapist in Atlanta. He founded Active Parenting Publishers in 1983 to help parents raise responsible children who are able to face life's challenges. His free, online "What's Your Parenting Style?" quiz is a popular way for parents to spot the strengths and weaknesses of their style. http://www.activeparenting.com/parents.htm
I have to admit to having only seen one episode of "Nanny 911," but, speaking as a parenting educator, I was impressed. The nanny sent to the rescue knew her stuff. She taught the parents to set limits, how to discipline using logical consequences and how to be firm and calm at the same time. She was good enough--and here's a huge compliment coming--to have been an Active Parenting leader. In fact, at one point, as the passive father is learning to be more involved, these words appear on the screen: "Father is becoming a more active parent."
Although I'm not a big reality TV fan in general, I think these two particular shows can be of real value to a lot of parents. They provide useful information and teach good parenting skills. Let's face it--if it works with these dysfunctional families, these skills will probably work for you, too!
And here's the good news: you don't have to be on a reality show to learn effective parenting skills. Parenting classes are available all over the country. You can watch the videos, consult with a parent educator, and share ideas with other parents just like you. To find one in your community, check with your child's school guidance counselor. Many classes are also listed on our web site.
But however you decide to improve your family life, please keep making the effort. Parenting is not the only influence on a child's life...but it's the one you can do the most about.
Author: Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D.
Dr. Popkin is a former child and family therapist in Atlanta. He founded Active Parenting Publishers in 1983 to help parents raise responsible children who are able to face life's challenges. His free, online "What's Your Parenting Style?" quiz is a popular way for parents to spot the strengths and weaknesses of their style. http://www.activeparenting.com/parents.htm
Why Your Child Suddenly Doesn't Like School
So you are excited and nervous, next year your child will be going to Kindergarten! However, when you talked to him or her they tell you, "Mommy and Daddy I don't want to go to school!"
What happened? Wasn't it just a few months ago they said they wanted to go to school? The tips preceding this will help you find out why the change in attitude and what you need to do to get them excited again about school.
Did you change daycares or caretakers? Sometimes when you change the child's environment the people around them may not be enriching your child's mind or encouraging him or her when they make strides in their development. Is there a bigger child bullying him or her? Are their children making fun of them? Is he or she spending a lot of time playing alone? Find out what is going on at their pre-school.
Have you recently divorced or separated from the child's mother or father? If so, he or she may not want to go through another separation by being apart from you. Going to school may make them feel as if he or she is alone. Talk with your child's teacher about what you have noticed with your son or daughter. He or she may have some great ideas to help you with your child's behavior.
Are there negative images, people, places, or things around your child? Television, radio, and music can play a significant part in how a child views his or her world. Pay close attention whether what they are seeing or hearing is affecting their behavior.
Do they have a bedtime schedule? As crazy as it may seem, not getting enough sleep can make anyone's behavior distorted. He or she may have had bad dreams; for example, about other children, riding a school bus, or sitting in a classroom.
Have you recently had a new baby? Sibling jealousy is very real. Preschoolers can be envious of newborns. They may do or say negative things to get attention.
Has someone recently become ill or died? Depending on how close they were to the family member or friend, they may not want to attend school because they fear that you will leave them too.
Once you have determined why your child has had a change of heart about attending school, make a list of things you can do to make school fun again. Think of things you did or didn't do to promote education. Did you read to your child? Take them to fun places where other children were present? Did you let them visit a school? Show fun videotapes on going to school? When your child talks or hears about school, does your family say positive things about it?
Everyone will need to be a part of this intervention to get your child to like school again. Find workbooks, coloring books, and crafts that will promote early learning. Don't stop encouraging your child to want to learn, and interact with other children. However, if school is nearing and you have done everything consistently and got others involved to encourage your child, you may want to have he or she see a child therapist. They may be able to uncover some things happening with your child that you may have overlooked.
For more work by Nicholl McGuire, see http://whenmotherscry.blogspot.com
What happened? Wasn't it just a few months ago they said they wanted to go to school? The tips preceding this will help you find out why the change in attitude and what you need to do to get them excited again about school.
Did you change daycares or caretakers? Sometimes when you change the child's environment the people around them may not be enriching your child's mind or encouraging him or her when they make strides in their development. Is there a bigger child bullying him or her? Are their children making fun of them? Is he or she spending a lot of time playing alone? Find out what is going on at their pre-school.
Have you recently divorced or separated from the child's mother or father? If so, he or she may not want to go through another separation by being apart from you. Going to school may make them feel as if he or she is alone. Talk with your child's teacher about what you have noticed with your son or daughter. He or she may have some great ideas to help you with your child's behavior.
Are there negative images, people, places, or things around your child? Television, radio, and music can play a significant part in how a child views his or her world. Pay close attention whether what they are seeing or hearing is affecting their behavior.
Do they have a bedtime schedule? As crazy as it may seem, not getting enough sleep can make anyone's behavior distorted. He or she may have had bad dreams; for example, about other children, riding a school bus, or sitting in a classroom.
Have you recently had a new baby? Sibling jealousy is very real. Preschoolers can be envious of newborns. They may do or say negative things to get attention.
Has someone recently become ill or died? Depending on how close they were to the family member or friend, they may not want to attend school because they fear that you will leave them too.
Once you have determined why your child has had a change of heart about attending school, make a list of things you can do to make school fun again. Think of things you did or didn't do to promote education. Did you read to your child? Take them to fun places where other children were present? Did you let them visit a school? Show fun videotapes on going to school? When your child talks or hears about school, does your family say positive things about it?
Everyone will need to be a part of this intervention to get your child to like school again. Find workbooks, coloring books, and crafts that will promote early learning. Don't stop encouraging your child to want to learn, and interact with other children. However, if school is nearing and you have done everything consistently and got others involved to encourage your child, you may want to have he or she see a child therapist. They may be able to uncover some things happening with your child that you may have overlooked.
For more work by Nicholl McGuire, see http://whenmotherscry.blogspot.com
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!
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!
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