Baby Toy Town News

One way to get off to a great start as a new family is to exercise together, and one of the easiest ways to exercise is with a jogging stroller. Running relieves stress, increases cardiovascular fitness, is a way to set a healthy example for your child, and gives parents and children a chance to get fresh air and have fun.

On your marks, get set, go shopping! Begin with a budget: basic jogging strollers are priced between $100 and $200 and are secure, practical options for beginning runners. Mid-range joggers in the $200 to $500 range offer additional nice touches like one-touch closing/opening mechanisms, lighter frames, and UV-blocking fabrics for Baby’s protection. Top-of-the-line models go for $500 and up, can accommodate children over 50 pounds, and also have the largest wheels and best shock absorption. Excellent choices exist at every price point, depending on your lifestyle.

WHO is going to be the primary user of the stroller? Some models offer adjustable handlebars so that the adult can place the handle at his or her optimal height for comfort and injury prevention while jogging. What if Mom is a runner, but Dad is an avid biker? Some manufacturers offer convertible systems that switch from jogging stroller to bike trailer so everyone gets a chance to take Baby for a ride.

HOW will the stroller be used? Will you be using this stroller only for exercise, or will it double as your baby’s everyday transportation for walks and shopping trips? A fixed or lockable front wheel is best if the jogging stroller will be used exclusively as exercise equipment. Otherwise, a swiveling front wheel is better suited for multi-purpose use.

WHERE will you be going? What will you be doing? A jogging stroller should have an under-seat storage bin where Mom or Dad can stow a towel, wallet, cell phone, diapers, and wipes. A cup holder for your water bottle is a necessity, and another nice feature is a tray with a cup holder for your passenger, once he or she is old enough to snack on the go.

WHAT about storing the stroller? Because joggers are made to be used hard, and need to be durable, they are heavier than traditional travel systems and umbrella strollers. Basic models usually have a steel frame, while higher-end joggings strollers use aluminum, which is lighter and will not rust. The weight of the stroller, plus the weight of your child coupled with whatever gear you bring along can really add up, so paying up front for a lighter stroller that is going to last and be easier to use may be a worthwhile investment. Some brands offer “quick release” wheels for easier folding and storage in your car or in small spaces at home. And a one-touch button that opens a folded stroller is always appreciated by a parent whose hands are full.

WHEELS make all the difference. Experts agree that bigger is better when it comes to the wheels on jogging strollers. For casual users, a 16″ minimum is recommended, with 20″ being the standard for serious runners. When evaluating a stroller, think about what materials the wheels are made of, and how much wear and tear they will experience. Alloy wheels are lightweight and non-rusting. They cost more upfront, but, again, will pay for themselves over the life of your stroller. If you plan to take Baby off the beaten path, you may prefer an all-terrain jogger, or “sport-utility” stroller. Just like its automotive counterpart, these models are suitable for off-road adventures, but sleek enough for sophisticated city strolls. Their knobby tires and rugged suspension can handle Mother Nature while cradling your little one comfortably.

WHAT’S NEXT? If Baby will be getting a sibling in the next few years, look into single jog strollers that can add on a second seat when Number Two joins the family. If multiples are on your horizon, there are jogging strollers that accommodate twins and triplets.

TAKE CARE of your stroller, your baby, and yourself. Once you’ve found a stroller you like to run with and your little one enjoys riding in, it will be getting a lot of use. Maintain it by wiping down the frame and wheels after your run, to remove moisture, dust and dirt that can damage the metal and plastic. Most joggers have easy-care, water-resistant nylon upholstery that is easy to remove for hand-washing if it does become soiled. Baby things are no longer boring, and you will find an array of fabrics to choose from, in bright or classic solid colors, or funky prints and stripes.

Safety is tantamount in all baby products, so search for jogging strollers that offer a 5-point harness, a padded seat and headrest, and superior shock absorption. Use common sense: always lock the stroller’s wheels when it’s parked; never park at the top of a flight of stairs or on an incline, and never leave your baby unattended in the stroller. Look for added safety options that many manufacturers include, like a leash-type strap on the handlebar that can be used in the event of brake failure or a “runaway” stroller going downhill. And, although some jogging strollers have fully-reclining seats, pediatricians do not recommend running with newborns. Consult with your doctor as to when it’s safe to jog with Baby, and, until then, use your stroller for walking only.

The family that runs together has fun together!

Since 1968, KidKraft has been the leading manufacturer of creative and unique furniture and gift room accessories for children. Finding the right look for your baby’s needs can be is a difficult task. A brand that has been on the front end of quality and care is KidKraft.

With their high quality design and products, KidKraft has even launched a lucrative licensing deal with high profile companies, such as Harley Davidson, Hello Kitty and the PGA Tour.

Cottage Toddler Cot
After being confined in a crib for most of their young lives, wouldn’t it be a great treat for your precious ones to finally have a bed of their own?

KidKraft’s ingenious and innovative toddler cots are what your little tykes have always wanted to have. Built with creativity in mind, this cute and pink themed cot is perfect for your little girl’s room. It has decorative rails that keep your children safe, and a smooth and comfortable mattress perfect for your child’s good night sleep.

The Cottage Toddler Cots has a low-to-the-ground base and mattress makes it accessible for your little ones to jump in and out of their beds without trouble.

Princess Toy Box
As your child grows, they end up carrying with them a whole bunch of knick knacks and toys. It’s either that special baby blanket that they can never part with, or that special baby doll that their dad has given to them when they were younger. This makes a toy box a needed accessory in their lives. The princess Toy Box is a perfect marriage of functionality and design, KidKraft line of plush and unique t

oy boxes are worth looking for.
Their Princess Toy Box boasts a large, spacious area for storing your kid’s toys and various items that they choose to keep. It’s equipped with a safety hinge that prevents your kid’s fingers from getting stuck or caught in between.You can even choose to use the toy boxes for seating as well.

Derby Rocking Horse
In this day age, it is easy to just give in to the growing influence of the multimedia age. As early as two, there are kids that carry mobile devices and technologically driven toys that are meant to entertain and educate. Though, it’s not such a bad thing, it would be nice to give them a sense of simplicity every now and then by giving your kids a traditional toy.

A great toy and gift for babies and toddlers, is the KidKraft’s Derby Rocking Horse. It’s equipped with a well crafted legs, and gentle arches that would guarantee your child to have a ball when they use the rocking horse.

Made from the finest wood and furnished with cherry, honey and natural, the Derby Rocking Horse can last for a great deal of time. The KidKraft’s Derby Rocking Chair can passed on through time and enjoyed by many generations.

Safety reminders:
Upon purchasing your baby’s accessories and furniture, make sure that they are safe and do not contain any sharp edges.

Check the quality of the furniture, and see if it is sturdy and would be able to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of its use.

Parents tirelessly check to make sure their house is safe. It can be seen in the way they choose their food and healthy nutritional content in their diets. And it is clearly seen when they purchase the best safety accessories. Safety is one of the reasons why Britax stands out in the sea of childcare products the world over.

Britax is a popular brand among parents. Not just because they are on the cutting edge of design, but they are one of the leading brands in child care accessories that promotes and inhibits safety in all their products. For more than three decades now, their experience and carefully engineered products have made Britax one of the foremost authorities in childcare accessories.

Britax is known mostly for their world class car seats, it’s always one of the best and safest choices for parents.

Companion:
Quality car seats at their best. Britax Companion car seats are equipped with True Enhanced Side Impact Protection that is perfect for babies 22 pounds and under. It’s extremely portable and adjustable, and it lets you modify the recline angle, so that it is perfect for almost any car.

The Companion car seats are easy to manage and install. They have a five-point, polyester harness system that especially built to offer a tangle free webbing.

It’s also portable and user friendly. You can even tote around your car seat in your next flight with your baby.

Roundabout:
Britax offers Roundabout car seats in two options: you can either purchase a rear facing car seat for your baby, or you can upgrade your older children to their forward facing seats.

This Roundabout convertible car seat is best known for its safety and comfort. It offers a cozy and easy to wash seat cover that is precious for a child’s travel and enjoyment.

Marathon:
Choose between the rear facing models or the forward facing car seats, either way you’re guaranteed that you’re purchasing a brand renowned for convenience and comfort.

Britax Marathon is one of the more popular items by Britax, as it is capable of holding harness restraints up to 65 pounds. It offers a unique patent-pending rip-stitch tether that reduces, and almost eliminates, hard impacts while you travel on the road.

Decathlon:
The Britax Decathlon is built with patented Versa-Tether that makes the installation process as easy and painless as possible.

It’s the prime choice for parents seeking combined comfort and style. Decathlon is equipped with a 3-position crotch strap, patented Hugs system and washable seat cover. It even has a special pillow and infant positioning system that to help fit your child.

Safety reminders!
Upon purchasing your car seats, make sure that they work properly and that they are equipped with easy to understand instructions. If you use a second hand car seat make sure that it is still in mint condition. Always check the straps and bolts around the car seat, and understand where they go, so that when you do install it you’ll have lower chance of being confused.

Car seats are one of those items that many first time parents have trouble installing properly the first time. Many local police or fire stations will show you how to properly install the seat at no charge – you just need to schedule a time with them and bring your car and care seat to them. If you have this option in your area it is highly recommended.

Keep in mind that rear facing car seats are best used for children under the age of one, and that all casrr seats should be installed in the back seat of a car (or the second row in a mini-van).