Choosing a Baby Carriage
The baby carriage is probably the most expensive piece of equipment parents have to buy, and it should be chosen with care.
A carriage with large wheels is smoother in motion than one with small wheels. However, a carriage with small wheels at the front and large ones at the back is easier to push over the edge of a sidewalk.
Parents living in a city apartment often find the most convenient kind of carriage is one that can be detached from a foldable frame. The only disadvantage with this kind of carriage is that the lighter structure becomes unsafe when the baby reaches one year of age and is able to rock the carriage.
Be sure that the carriage has safety straps or attachment points for straps. When a baby can sit up in the carriage, he or she must wear straps at all times. The carriage must have good brakes, preferably on each wheel.
The interior of the baby carriage should be easy to clean. There should be an attachable hood and cover and a thick mattress. If the carriage is for outside use, attach a net over the front while the baby sleeps.
For the comfort and convenience of the parents, a carriage should have adjustable handles and a shopping tray or basket under the chassis (and not at either end).
The Bassinet
The travel bassinet should have a wipeable interior and exterior. The sides should be padded and smooth so that the baby cannot be hurt. The handles must be strong and located toward the head end of the bassinet. A travel bassinet is lightweight and convenient when traveling, but can be used only for babies under the age of nine months.
Some travel bassinets have tubular steel legs and carrying handles with a safety locking device. This type of bassinet folds flat for easy storage.
