How a Humidifier may make all the difference.

The Holiday Season can be a very stressful time. Trimming the tree, baking cookies and buying those one of a kind gifts are not easy tasks.  This, along with the beginning of cold and flu season, can lead to many sleepless nights.  Being prepared and making sure you have everything you need in your household is “key” to getting through and making sure you have a healthy holiday and winter season.

Be prepared for whatever sickness you or your family may encounter by having a good humidifier.  There are many different brands and types of humidifiers on the market and choosing the right one may be confusing.

Steam humidifiers, or vaporizers, are thought to be more healthful because releasing hot steam is less likely to transfer microorganisms from within the water base.

Cool mist humidifiers are the most common type of humidifier sold.  Although this humidifier works as efficiently as the heated steam type, it needs to be cleaned more frequently.  If not cleaned thoroughly, mold and bacteria that may form in the water reservoir and inhibit the appliance from working properly and worse, cause other health problems for you or your child.

Although humidifiers are a beneficial way of providing humidity to a room, and promoting better health, regular maintenance is needed in order to be most efficient for you and your family.  We recommend you use cleaners specified by the manufacturers and clean  frequently.  In some cases where some homes have “hard” water, calcium and/or lime buildup may occur.  Use the manufacturers’ manual as a guideline to rid the humidifier of this.  Some humidifiers require a filter to be replaced at certain time intervals.  Be sure
to follow all humidifier manufacturer requirements to ensure a healthy holiday and winter season and a long life of your humidifier.  A good source for the mentioned humidifiers is StrollerSquares.com

Choosing the Right Umbrella Stroller

Umbrella strollers have been around for a long time now.  They are a convenient necessity in your day to day lives with young children.  To choose and an umbrella stroller that fits your lifestyle and needs is simple if you follow these basic guidelines.

Umbrella strollers typically follow similar construction guidelines. They are made up of plastic or metal lightweight frames, and have a hammock style cockpit for your child. The lightweight construction prevents fatigue, and has impressive maneuverability. This is especially great for use in local malls and shopping centers or for walks through the neighborhood. Features included in some strollers are under seat storage, cup holders, sun shades, and even suspension.


The collapsible frames are a very attractive feature in umbrella strollers which accommodate restrictive storage available when not in use.

Keep in mind that umbrella strollers cannot carry an infant car seat and should not be used with babies under six months of age. Some umbrella strollers have a reclining back providing more support for your young child. Please check with the manufacturer spec’s before using your umbrella stroller with a child under six months.


Also, consider the following areas when researching umbrella strollers will help you to find a stroller that best fits your needs and lifestyle:


Safety (roll-over rate, brakes, etc.)

Durability (material types - both cockpit and framing, wheel type, etc.)

Convenience (accessories and features)

Storage needs (fold style)

Comfort (types of cushions, wheels with suspension, etc.)

Cost – Umbrella strollers can cost around $20 to $800! Just like everything else in this word, you get what you pay for. An umbrella stroller can last a long time, and a good stroller can feel like it’s worth its weight in gold after a long day.


Pick an umbrella stroller that is a nice mix between value and features and that fits your lifestyle in order to insure you get the most out of your purchase. You will most likely use this stroller a lot and will have it a very long time, so choose wisely and don't be afraid to spend a little money on it.  A great source for umbrella strollers is :  www.strollersquares.com

Choosing the right stroller that fits your lifestyle, your size, and especially your budget.

Don't let shopping for a baby stroller be an overwhelming and daunting task. With the following guidelines, you'll be on your way to selecting the right stroller for your needs and budget.  In the next few paragraphs, strollersquares will explain some benefits of some stroller features and guide you in selecting a baby stroller that fits you, your lifestyle and your budget.

First things first, we know there are many brands of strollers, and with each brand, there are several models to choose from. Take a deep breath and don’t let yourself become overwhelmed. Below is a list of items to help you determine your basic stroller choices:

1.    Determine if you need a jogging stroller, single baby stroller, double stroller, or maybe even a triple stroller.

2.    Do you have more than one child?

3.    Do you have an existing child who will require a ride in a stroller along with your newborn baby?

4.    Will you be having more children in the future?

5.    How long do you expect to keep your stroller?

6.    Is your child a newborn? Carriages can detach from the stroller frame to use as bassinet.

7.    What are you looking to getting out of your stroller?

8.    Where do you plan on using your stroller most? (i.e. malls, parks (outdoors), etc)

For obvious reasons, the pricing of strollers will climb when needing a double or triple stroller opposed to a single baby stroller.

Next, check out your measurements. Your ergonomics (or the lengths and proportions of your body) will be a key factor. How tall are you? How long or short are your arms and legs? We can’t stress this enough since it will make your stroller usage more enjoyable for you and your child. Some lower end brands typically do not provide features such as height adjustable handles and/or wheels. This is not saying lower end brands are not good and don’t offer these features, but is usually not typical. Some high end brands offer adjustable handles and/or wheels, along with many other features for your comfort and convenience like intergraded changing station, storage options, and suspension to name a few.

Once you have narrowed your search to a few baby strollers, there are a couple of other items to take into consideration. When you are finished using the stroller, how much storage space will you need? When transporting your stroller in your vehicle, how much space do you have in the trunk?

We know there are plenty of expenses when raising children. Here are some tips to help in budgeting for your stroller:

1.   The typical family uses a stroller between 5-7 years. (Longer when the family grows) Don’t shortchange yourself and decide on price when you give up comfort and handling in exchange for years of aggravation. Remember, quality items last for the long haul.

2.   A stroller rarely requires maintenance. (except for the usual spills of course)

3.   Typically strollers and carriages that come with convenience packages are more cost effective.

Overall, use your best judgment. You are the “mom”, and you know what’s best for you and your baby.  A great source for all your stroller needs : www.strollersquares.com

Jogging stroller safety for you and your child.

When jogging with a stroller, there are safety concerns you and your child must address.  Traffic is typically the largest concern.  When available, try to use sidewalks or bike lanes.  If the street is only available, you can always add reflectors and LED lighting to your jogging stroller to be more visible to traffic.  Remember, the more visible you are, the less likely problems will occur.
 
Another concern is temperature.  When jogging in the early morning, or late afternoon, you may be hot and sweaty, but your child is stationary in the stroller, and he or she may be cold.  Always remember to check your child's skin temperature and bring along a blanket to keep them warm.  Remember, you are the one exercising, and generating heat, not your child.  A comfortable child is a happy child.  If you are jogging on a hot day in the mid day, please remember to bring fluids so you and your child can stay hydrated.  Children are more susceptible to heat exhaustion at a more rapid rate than adults.

Don't forget to bring something to entertain your child during your jog.  Children can get bored and fussy easily.  Believe me, we know.  If you bring a favorite toy or even have a tray or activity bar connected to your jogging stroller, it will give you and your baby a little time for yourselves.

Never let go of the jogging stroller handle, and always connect the tether strap to your wrist. Letting go of the handle, even for a moment can cause the jogging stroller to become out-of-control, endangering your child’s safety. Your child’s safety is most important. Some strollers come with a hand brake for your convenience. This is a great feature to look for when purchasing a jogging stroller. The brake allows you to better control the stroller therefore keeping your baby safe.

ALWAYS secure your child in the jogging stroller using the provided harness. Use the four finger rule when securing your child. You should be able to fit four fingers “FLAT” between the inside of the harness and your child’s chest. This will ensure that your child won’t lunge forward during a short stop, or fall out when leaning to one side.

ALWAYS carefully read your owners’ manuals.  Important specific information regarding your stroller is enclosed.  This will better allow you and your child to enjoy the time you spend together.  Not following the manufacturer’s guidelines can cause harm to you and your child.  A great source for your jogging stroller needs is :  www.strollersquares.com