Here I am, writing about baby strollers. I am thinking to myself, What is there to write about? A product review? A promotion for one stroller or another? Do strollers warrant their own article? What is going to be angle? What can I bring to the table that others have not? In addition, I will not insult your intelligence by writing the obvious. If you read this article, it means that you have done some research about strollers, and I do not want to waste your time by restating what others have written.

I researched for material that was available online, I observed babies, mothers, and strollers intensely, in the
hopes of finding an anthropological (my undergraduate degree in anthropology might come handy) angle in
preparation for this article.

I became aware of many things regarding strollers that I did not know before. So this will become a series
of "Did you know?" points.

Did you know about these?

Studies about strollers:

The Los Angeles Times recited a study about the adverse affects the stroller has on the babies. Because of the convenience of the stroller, parents keep the babies and toddlers in the stroller too long, therefore, it adds to the obesity factor.

Another study from the U.K. suggests that toddlers spend a lot of time in the strollers and Mommies do not talk to them as much; and they grow up to be children with social issues, do not bond as well.

Special Needs strollers:

We have strollers specializing and accommodating babies with special needs; with extra support because of poor muscle tone. One of my children was a "special needs" child. In those days, strollers were of the very basic pram or umbrella. Gosh, it would have helped so much having a stroller with pockets which medicine could have been stored.

Double or Triple strollers:

This specialty stroller is designed for families with more than one child in the toddler/baby stage. The seats are arranged either side by side or one behind the other fashion.

Travel Systems:

Strollers are so much more sophisticated today than ever before, with the incorporation of functionality which transforms the stroller from tram (baby carriage) to a sitting stroller to a car seat. Hence the label "travel systems".

Safety Features:

Today, the safety features include better cushions, better safety belts, bumpers, air filled tires, swivel wheels, brakes, and more. Speaking of brakes, it is a huge improvement over the brick masquerading as brakes. If I would use my first stroller today, surely CPS would decent on me in a New York minute.

Strollers and Sports:

Today you can take your baby on your jogging trail with you, or go cycling. Yes, there are specialized, durable strollers for the runner, the skater, and the cyclist. I am waiting for the swimmer to have floating strollers.

Pet Strollers:

Yes, that is right. If you are tired of carrying your pooch in a carrying bag, you can always get that special pet
stroller. Actually the only convincing argument for a pet stroller that I found was for handicapped pet use.

Prices:

Strollers can go from $20 for a used one to a staggering $1,000.

Recalls:

Folks, I think I covered most of the stuff I uncovered regarding strollers, and avoided giving any advice. Until now. I strongly suggest that you do your market research when you are ready to buy a stroller, which will be as soon as you have your baby. In addition, I implore upon you the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any recall details regarding your stroller. It is easy to do, just visit http://www.cpsc.gov

God bless,