When do you leave the stroller home and just tote the child? The answer to this question will vary from family to family. And like so many other milestones in baby's life (potty training, thumb sucking, blankie clutching), retiring the stroller permanently will no doubt have many trial runs before it takes.

Things to consider when deciding when to take the stroller and when to retire it permanently:

1. If your tot is still in diapers and you are still toting special foods, formula and sippy cups for her, you are not ready to retire the stroller permanently.

2. Your tot starts out very active but quickly fades and becomes clingly and whiny, you are not ready to retire the stroller.

3. You are attending a venue with a lot of people, like an airport or amusement park. Your peace of mind will increase if you have your toddler safely strapped in out of the zone of stray feet not used to tiny people in their path.

Some parents complain that they wind up pushing an empty stroller while carrying baby gear and a tot on their hip. I ask first why? And second, who is in charge? For starters, if you have elected to let your little one run free, why not load the gear into the stroller. And when he tires out, put him in the stroller. Hopefully, you trained your child long ago to expect to ride in a stroller outside the home versus you toting him everywhere. The great thing about kids is they catch on quick. You may meet major resistance the first few times he insists on being carried rather than rolled. Hold firm and soon your arms will be relieved.

Walking is a life long habit that it is never too early to foster. When walking is new, there is such a thrill as a parent to hold that tiny hand and ambulate into the world together. But tiny feet and legs tire fast. You should gradually reduce stroller time based on the trips that you take. You might be able to skip the stroller at the mall and survive. But you'd be nuts to try it at Disneyworld.

Finally, don't let others influence your decision to stroller or not. No one knows your child like you do. If you have to roll your first grader to survive a trip to the museum, then so be it. It is no one else's business. When you are ready to retire the stroller, start the child walking at all excursions. As they tire stroll them. Pretty soon you will see a pattern and how long your child can walk. Then you can start to wean them off the stroller.

Decorating a stroller can be as simple as or complex as you like. First choose your theme. My town has parades for:

Memorial Day and Fourth of July - Patriotic Red, White and Blue theme or summer themes.

Halloween - Anything goes!

Christmas - Secular and religious themes are popular.

Some general baby stroller decorating tips:

1. Most important. Know your baby. If they are at the everything in the mouth phase, be sure to fasten decorations securely and not have any small pieces handy for baby to grab off.

2. Dollar Store. Your local dollar store will have a plethora of decorating materials. Especially look in the front of the store for seasonal items. For summer you will find luaus, blow up pool toys, flags and bunting.

3. Think outside the box. This is the most important tip. If you are participating in a decorating contest, originality counts big.

4. More is more. This is not the time to be subtle. Over the top and downright gaudy is called for. It's easy and fun when you let your imagination go.

If you are old enough to remember The Honeymooners television show, or have seen the million reruns of it, think of the episode where Ralph designs a Halloween costume from things around the house. Okay you may not want to take the door off the refrigerator but you could attach a white box around your stroller, cut out the front for baby's view, add a handle and tacky glue on refrigerator magnets, children's art, calendars and notes. Voila! Stroller refrigerator.

Or build a box to look like an old time television. Cut out the front and the show is starring your baby. Add rabbit ears to the top and dials to the sides. Save a couple baby food jar lids and wrap them in foil for the dials.

Have you seen those big cardboard cutouts at the discount stores? Mount a palm tree to the back of your stroller and a blow up dolphin on one side, cardboard flamingo on the other. If it is warm enough, dress baby in swimwear and shades. Instant beach. Add a bunch of leis and you have an instant luau.

Just how many Christmas lights and balls do you think you can attach to your stroller?

If you're really crafty, cut Mary and Joseph side figures (you've seen these kinds of cut outs on lawns) and attach them to either side of your stroller. Add some stuffed animals around the sides and you have the Lord in his manger. Don't forget the Christmas Star.

Easter Parade? How about a silk flower garden. Or find a really big straw hat to mount on top of your stroller. Decorate the hat with sik flowers, ribbons and bows. Find a recording of "Easter Parade"... "in your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it..." and play it from your stroller. Adding music to your stroller decoration will score you big points.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by cutting a pinata in half and attaching each side to your stroller sides. Take the Easter Bonnet straw hat apart and add it to the top of the stroller as a sombrero. Hang some confetti and toss wrapped candies to the crowd. Actually pinatas can be used as the base to decorate for many seasons as they come in an endless selection of characters.

Halloween, you can go spooky again hitting up the dollar store. How about a big spider web behind the stroller? And a tape of spooky sounds. Don't forget your local crafts or sewing store. I have even seen commercial sewing patterns for stroller decorating.

Gather some pretty pink sheer fabric in a bunch at the top of your stroller. Drape the fabric down the sides. Give baby a magic wand for a genie. A tiara for a princess.

Hopefully I have given you some ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don't have a stroller decorating contest in your town? Organize one! It doesn't even have to be a whole town, your neighborhood can host it's own contest. Or your Gymboree class or Mommy & Me group might want to host a contest and stroll thru the local mall. Good publicity for Gymboree or Mommy & Me. Fun for everyone. Hey, maybe the mall will want to host a stroller parade!

To get the most bang for your buck, start your gift basket project early. Clip coupons and source two for one type deals at your local pharmacy retailer. Don't overlook discount department stores either. You can almost make a game out of getting the best deals. If you have a big family and get invited to a lot of showers, you might want to keep a look out for basket stuffing bargains all year long and make the "small necessities gift basket" your signature gift.

For starters, make a list of all the small stuff people are likely to overlook. To get you started, see my list at the end of this post. And while you are looking for bargains on the small stuff, keep an eye out for bargains on your "basket" base.

I strongly recommend that you not use anything that even remotely resembles a basket unless the mom to be collects them. Otherwise you are simply adding one more piece of useless clutter they will feel obligated to live with until their next yard sale or church bazaar. No, Great Aunt Tillie is much more clever than that!

Always think outside the box. This is the motto by which I live. Let me get you started with a few ideas that will create both useful gift stuffings and a very useful container.

1. Bag. A bag is an obvious choice. No one totes stuff like a new mom. But forget the fancy diaper bag. Someone will likely get her the latest color by the hottest designer label. No, we are going for practical and inexpensive. Last year I bought full size canvas beach bags at my local discount department store for $3. I bought 2 of them at the end of season in August. In June they went for over $30. Yes mom will have her designer diaper bag but she will find it simply will not hold all the other things she needs. Beach bag to the rescue.

I also have bought much smaller and lesser quality beach bags at my local dollar store. Though they are not nearly as nice, they are smaller and you could easily fill more than one. Mom could later use them to stash extra diapers or a change of clothes. Another source for inexpensive bags and other unique containers is yard sales and flea markets.

2. Diaper. Okay so you are not the Martha type. Not everyone can assemble one of those cute diaper cakes. But I bet you can lay a diaper down, fill the center with goodies, gather the four corners and pin with diaper pins? I know you can. And at some time mom is going to make use of cloth diapers even if she never puts them on her baby's bottom. The make excellent burping cloths and can substitute for a changing pad in a pinch. And the pins? Well if mom is nursing, the pins can be used to secure a blanket or shawl on an airplane or bus, etc.

3. Bath Tub. Another useful container you can stuff with gifts is a small baby bath tub. The kind of tub designed to be used in a sink or tub is often inexpensive and not something mom will think to put on her registry. Once she is over using the fancy stand alone tub that she will have to fill and empty with a lot of hassle, she will love her sink/tub helper gift basket even more. Oh that clever Great Aunt Tillie.

4. Potty. For a really whimsical touch, stuff a potty chair and over wrap with cellophane to hold all the small items in. This will surely be copied when you go to other showers. Or it can become your signature gift. Give one for every baby shower you attend. Every new mother will want one of Great Aunt Tilly's goodie stuffed potty chairs.

5. Shower caddy. This is another item you can find in dollar stores. The kind of caddies you used in your college dorm. They are easy to fill and very useful around a house with a baby for collecting small toys or wrangling changing time needs. You can fill with tiny gifts and wrap with cellophane.

6. Laundry basket. Another item that will get a good work out with a baby in the house. Sit a big teddy bear in the basket and fill with your little necessities.

What ever container you decide to fill, add a bow or some cellophane wrap and everyone will think you paid a fortune for it. Attending a baby shower is supposed to be a joyous event. Don't stress over what gift you can afford. What may not look like a big ticket item will be mightly appreciated when mom reaches for it with one hand while juggling a squirming baby with the other.

Some inexpensive small necessities gift basket goodie ideas:

diapers
wipes
shampoo
skin lotion
bath wash
bottle brush
wash cloths
pacifier clips
bibs
cloth diapers for burping
books
petroleum jelly
cotton swabs and cotton balls
rash ointment
sleep sacks
Onesies®
Kleenex®
stroller rain guard
socks

Baby shower registries are widely popular today and are great to get ideas about what mom would like. Some guests will simply buy something from the registry store. Others will buy gift cards, especially if mom is flying in for the shower. I would caution about buying gift cards. Did you know that when a company goes bankrupt, your gift card is usually worthless? There is nothing wrong with giving the parents to be cash or a check. If you really want a gift card, opt for a bank gift card or American Express gift card. Be sure to ask about dormancy fees.

I have noticed the chatter among my female relatives about baby shower registries. The younger women tend to favor them. The older women, less so. Especially the ones on fixed incomes. Old Great Aunt Tillie cannot afford hundreds of dollars for a gift. And in fact, she is wondering why baby gear is so expensive today. Great Aunt Tillie may be onto something there. I have attended showers where the gifts would have filled a small bedroom, wall to wall. The last shower I attended, the parent's had a friend with a pick up truck. They made 3 trips to transport all the baby booty.

So what is a guest to do? Well first of all, remember that you are a guest. If you were invited to the shower, it is because you hold an important place in the lives of the parents and the baby to come. Yes you are expected to bring a gift, but you are not expected to take out a second mortgage to do it. Look over your budget. Hopefully you have a fund for unexpected gifts. Do you have an idea of how many wedding, baby and holiday gifts you will need to buy this year? Be honest with yourself about what you really can afford. If you know a baby is coming early enough, you can even start a spare change jar to save ahead. I know people who buy small gifts when they see a good bargain so they are never caught short. You could start watching for special sales and pick up a real bargain. I strongly do NOT recommend this if you are a pack rat!

The grandparents and special friends of the new parents will likely buy the bigger gifts. And you might want to check around with others who you know are on a budget and might like to chip in together for a gift. But don't feel obligated buy the registry list. Keep in mind, stores make sure the parents to be list everything under the sun. But they often don't list enough of things new parents REALLY need. You simply cannot have too many Onesies®, which by the way is not a generic term. Onesies® is a registered trademark of Gerber just as Kleenex® is a registered trademark of Kimberly-Clark. And while I think about it, the nursery needs Kleenex® too. For more on budgeting for baby shower gifts, read my next post titled, Baby Shower Gift Baskets on a Budget.

"Graco is a brand of baby products company owned by Newell Rubbermaid. It was founded in 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Russell Gray and Robert Cone (hence the name) as Graco Metal Products, a company that fabricated machine and car parts.

After Gray left the company in 1953, Cone moved the company in a different direction, manufacturing the first automatic swing for children, the Swyngomatic, designed by David Saint, a company engineer. In 1987 the company developed the Pack N' Play Portable Playard portable playpen designed by Nate Saint, David Saint's son.

It also developed the combination stroller and car seat called the Travel System in the mid 90's. In 1998 it acquired Century Car Seat company. It was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid in 1999." - 1*

If you have seen cars manufactured in the 1940's, you have no doubt been impressed by the superior materials used and the durability of the product. Not to mention the ongoing development of design and features. With a background like that, there is little mystery why Graco is a number one mover of babies.

With a wide range of features, styles and colors, parents can feel they have both a distinctive product and a reliable one. Graco understands that baby wants to see the world and the world wants to see baby. For that reason, it was inevitable that Graco should innovate the travel system.

When it comes to selecting a stroller, you can feel confident that Graco has the history and the impeccable reputation of providing quality, innovation and affordability. You will feel proud that your baby rides in a Graco. And others will admire your good taste and resourcefulness.

A few Graco names you will recognize:
DuoGlider™
StrollerLiteRider®
StrollerQuattro Tour™
Sport StrollerQuattro Tour™
StrollerVie4™ Stroller

1* - Wikipedia

To begin with, a bike trailer/stroller is not intended for use with infants.  Generally, the child should be at least one year old.  As always, users should read and follow manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.  Practice runs with weight to substitute for baby are a must for the bicycler to get used to having the attachment.

Some bike trailers convert to strollers which double their use and free you from having to bring along additional baby conveyances if you want to walk and ride.  Some products are even designed to have multiple uses based on kits you add on.  For example, you can buy a child carrier that converts to a stroller, jogger, bike trailer, cross country skier and hiker.

Most bike trailers are going to be able to handle a bit of variable terrain but I wouldn’t advise biking far off road with them.  You and baby will have a much more enjoyable time on smoother terrain.

Obviously, you will want to ride your bike using the utmost care.  Remember as with regular strollers, when crossing an intersection, your bike trailer may not be readily expected or seen no matter how many reflectors and lights you put on it.  I personally would recommend only using a bike trailer during clear weather with 100% visibility.

Also like regular strollers, most bike trailers will have good cargo room incorporated into their design.  With some planning you should be able to pack your baby gear and a lunch.

If you were very active before baby came, you are probably going to want a stroller with multiple options as I mentioned above.  Activity is a good habit.  If you were not active before baby came and you want to shape up a post baby body or just provide your new child with a healthier parent, a bike trailer is a great way for the whole family to get moving outdoors.

*  Safety Harness - 3 or 5 point.
*  Fully reclining seat for infants.
*  Wide wheel base for stability
*  Rear facing option especially for infants to face mom or the back of a car seat.
*  Thoughtfully designed cargo systems, low and to the rear.
*  Locking moving parts to guard against collapse
*  Wheel brakes that lock.

Extra Considerations If Buying a Pre-owned Stroller

Ask about the condition of the stroller if it is not apparent, especially with an online auction.  Avoid saggy seats, missing parts and excessive wear.  Make sure all components of the stroller can be cleaned.  If I can’t hose something down or throw it in the washer, I am not buying it used for my baby.

As I have said in a previous post, there is no reason to settle for junk if you are buying used.  There are simply too many mint condition strollers out there ready for the buying.  Why?  Well some strollers simply do not get enough use.  Mom found something that better fit her needs and the cast off sat in a corner some where.  Doesn’t mean there is a single thing wrong with it.  Just wasn’t right for that particular family.  Their buying gaffe can be your buying bargain.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association “is dedicated to promoting the industry and the safe use of juvenile products”.  Visit JPMA.org for brand names of strollers and other products that pass the association’s rigorous testing and wear their certification seal.

As always, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the individual manufacture will be your best source of info regarding recalls.

Safety starts with the manufacturer but ends with you.  If you do not use a product properly, the safety results cannot be accurately predicted.

Using Your Baby Stroller Safely

Read the manufacturer’s instructions.  If these are not available in the case of a used purchase, try contacting the manufacturer’s website.  If that doesn’t work, ask for help on one of the million baby oriented online forums.  Undoubtedly someone will have the information you seek.

Watch where you are going.  Keep in mind baby is traveling ahead of you.  You must allow for that extra distance when gauging motion, especially crossing streets.

Never take your eye off baby when he is in the stroller.

Keep hands and feet inside the ride at all times.  How many times have you heard this at the amusement park?  Aim for that same level of safety with baby in a stroller.  Obviously baby is going to reach and lean.  Account for that distance when moving.

When moving from car to stroller and back, secure baby in the car while opening and closing the stroller.  If you are already walking with both baby and stroller in hand, try to find a place to safely place baby while you set up the stroller.

Keep an eye on the stroller condition during every use.  One small lose string or broken dangly toy can be a big problem in the making.

The stroller is not a toy.  Older children will want to push it.  As baby toddles, she too will want to push it.  Only allow this under your most careful and close observation.  Think about it.  A toddler is pushing but is also depending on wheels for balance.  We don’t want a slip in the wrong direction.

Never use the stroller as a shopping cart adjunct.  Buy proper storage accessories if needed.  Your stroller will likely be designed to stow a bag beneath it.  Don’t try to overload it no matter how tempting.

Give your stroller a once over frequently.  Check for possible hazards, signs of excessive wear and lose or missing parts.

Safely used, a stroller can be a great tool for parents.  Happy rolling!

By going used, you can often get more stroller for less money.  Most new parents will find they want more than one stroller for different needs.  Pre-owned lets you afford more than one. 

And what if you find you purchased the wrong stroller for your needs?  Sell it or pass it on.  Or you make a good intentioned impulse buy?  Would you rather spend $100 for a hiking stroller that you use once or $500?

Where to Find Used Baby Gear

*  One of the best sources of economical baby gear is yard sales, flea markets and second hand shops.  Prices are usually very reasonable and you can see the merchandise first hand.  The main downside to these sources is limited choices.  Each yard sale is likely to have one, maybe two strollers at most.

*  Online ads like Craigslist and Penny Saver throw aways.  Again you have a limited selection per advertiser and you may run all over town only to be disappointed when the merchandise quality does not match the ad.

*  Your sister or friends or pretty much any well intentioned person you know.  If someone wants to give you their used stroller and it fits your needs, great!  But odds are it won’t fit your needs.  And you won’t want to make a friend feel badly that you really don’t want the stroller they used for all three of their now college aged children.

*  Online auctions.  You cannot beat online auctions for price and selection of used baby gear, especially strollers.  Stick with the major auctions for a secure shopping experience.  The top auction sites make sure their sellers give accurate information and buyer’s recourse when they don’t.  You can contact a seller with questions about condition, etc., if you choose.  Note auction sites will usually sell both new and used merchandise.

Safety First

*  The number one consideration when buying any stroller, new or used is it’s safety features.  And the number one safety feature is quality.  Bargain strollers often skimp on safety and they tend not to last as long either.

*  A 5-point harness system is ideal for active babies.  And let’s face it, all babies are active at times.  If given a choice between a 3-point harness and a 5-point harness, I would choose the 5-point harness every time. 

*  Does the stroller feel sturdy?  Since you will be doing your homework (see below) you will have an idea which strollers feel sturdy.  Have you ever seen a stroller with only a baby in it?  Nope, me neither.  Take into account that you will likely be hanging your shopping bag from the handle or stowing the diaper bag under the seat.

*  Are the tires and overall condition of the stroller good?  This is a question to ask the seller if their auction description and pictures do not adequately give you this information.

*  If it has wheels it has brakes.  Make sure the braking mechanism is working well.

*  Use your eyes.  Does the seat look saggy?  Is the harness frayed?  Does the stroller look fresh or frazzled?  There are innumerable mint condition used strollers available.  You do not have to settle for junk.

*  See the last bullet under do your homework.  Check for recalls.

Do Your Homework

*  Know what types of strollers are available and compare them to your lifestyle.

*  When buying from an auction, don’t hesitate to contact the seller with questions or to request more pictures.  Most sellers are happy to communicate with you and want to represent exactly what they are selling so their buyers are satisfied.

*  Talk to your friends and check out online forums for suggestions and recommendations.

*  Know prices on new products so you have a basis for comparison with a pre-owned product.

*  Ask the seller for manufacturer information and look it up online.  You want to make sure the stroller you are buying was not recalled.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a good source for recalls as is the manufacturer themselves.

Welcome to the Joy of Parenthood and Baby in Tow

Parenting can be a joy and some days a trial.  One thing is for sure.  You and baby are going to be on the go.  Whether it be to the market, sitter, grandma’s house or a safari, you and baby will be on the move. 

A good stroller is an essential investment.  Enjoy it.  Soon enough baby will be auto mobile and running on two feet rather than rolling on wheels.  And you will long for the stroller days.