Baby Jogger City Select, Versa, Bugaboo Camelon 3, Stokke Crusi, Uppababy Alta, Babystyle Oyster Max, Steelcraft Strider Compact !!

Choosing a pram can be frustrating at times. You think you like one and then you notice something better on another pram, when will it stop? (well obviously with what price you are willing to pay for it!)

You need to know what you want in a pram, how you will use it and how much is the maximum price you would pay, and try and find a pram within your budget.

 Is it worth paying extra to have an extra feature that you may use?, Like the reversible? Capsule compatible? Toddler 2^nd seat or glider board (like a skateboard and can have a little seat as well) Do you just want a pram for after 6 months as you want to use a baby carrier first?

I’ve done research on many strollers/prams and hopefully it will benefit you, especially if you are also looking for a pram which has:

-          Single pram but can convert to a double or have a toddle board on it

-          Reversible, so baby can face me or out to the world

-          Hand break, I don’t like the foot break pedal

-          Adjustable handle bar

-          Clear view peekaboo mesh window

-          Adjustable foot rest

-          Storage

-          Can use as a travel system (baby capsule)

-          Easy one handed fold

2014 Top three strollers prams

1.        Baby Jogger City Select ***** 5/5

2.       Baby Jogger Versa         ***** 5/5

3.       Bugaboo Camelon 3       ****  4/5

Other options looked into are:

   Stokke Crusi

Flexibility

• Can be used with carry cot, stroller seat, car seats and optional sibling solution.
• 3 parent facing positions: sleep, rest and active, and 2 forward facing positions: rest and active.
• Lockable swivel wheels make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Lightweight, robust chassis with large shopping basket is easy to fold and light to carry.

Comfort

• High carry cot and stroller seat position brings the baby closer to mom and dad.
• Spacious carry cot with soft interior lining provides a comfortable environment for the baby.
• Soft, padded seat with an extra cushion that reduces the seat depth to fit the smallest babies.
• Adjustable ergonomic foot rest on the seat eliminates dangling feet.
• Ventilation in hood improves the air quality and reduces the risk of moisture inside the carry cot and stroller seat.
• Ergonomic height and angle adjustable handle provides a wide range of positions.

Travel System

• Stokke offers two car seats that can be used with Stokke strollers without the use of adaptors: The Stokke® iZi Go™ X1 by BeSafe® and the Stokke® iZi Sleep™ X3 by BeSafe™.

Uppababy Alta (Cruz in USA)

Key Features

• largest basket in the market – over 65L
• 3 year warranty
• separate rainshield and bugshield included
• infant car seat compatible (Maxi Cosi or Peg Perego)
• independent suspension on all wheels
• suitable from birth with infant snugseat or bassinet
• large extendable spf 50+ sunshade
• full-size reversible seat
• one-handed 180˚ recline
• easy one-step fold – with or without seat attached
• telescopic handlebar
• two canopy positions to accommodate taller children
• compact design allows for easy manoeuvring through doorways
• can be folded with the seat attached
• suitable from birth up to 23kg

Specifications

Weight: 9.9kg (seat & chassis)

Dimensions (maximum)

56.5cm (w) x 75cm (l) x 100cm (h)

Dimensions Folded (maximum)

56.5cm (w) x 28cm (l) x 94cm (h)

Babystyle Oyster Max

Features:

Compact Oyster Fold for easy storage and transportation

Lockable front swivel wheels

Adjustable handle height

Multiple recline position seat unit including lay flat position

5 Point safety seat unit harness

Adjustable calf support

Extendible hood with viewing window

Bumper bar

Large shopping basket

Foot operated safety brake

Rearward and forward facing seat unit

Pushchair raincover included

Compatible with the Babystyle Oyster Car Seat, Britax Baby Safe Car Seat and the Maxi Cosi Cabrio Fix Car Seat

25 combinations

Dimensions 

Seat area W30 x D26cm

Fully reclined seat area L85 x W30cm

Handle height (adjustable) Max 115cm, Min 103cm

Width 60cm

Folded stroller with wheels W60 x D56 x H80cm

Folded stroller without wheels W49 x D48 x H80cm

Wheel diameter (rear) 30cm, (front) 23cm

Chassis with wheels 9kg

Stroller (chassis + seat) 12kg (approx)

Tandem (chassis + 2x seat) 15kg (approx)

Steelcraft Strider Compact

The Strider Compact Stroller is a leaner, lighter and smoother ride, allowing a one or two child capacity with its interchangeable optional accessories.

• The Strider Compact is a Travel System Stroller, accomodating the Strider Compact Bassinet, Strider Compact Second Seat and up to 2 Steelcraft Infant Carriers (all sold separately)
• The dual bearing, quick release, wheels and front, lockable swivel wheels offer a smooth and manoeuvrable ride
• Features a pivoting parent handle, providing centre steering
• Reversible child seat with three position recline and adjustable foot rest
• Features a large sun canopy with parent viewing window and a large shopping basket with front and side access
• Easily folds with or with seats attached

Suitability Stroller Seat: Birth to approximately 20kg Second Seat (sold separately): Birth to approximately 17kg
Dimensions Folded Dimensions: L83 x H34 x W62.5cm Assembeld Dimensions: L92 x H120 x W62.5cm Inside Main Seat Dimensions: H56 x W30 (approx) Stroller Weight: Approximately 12kg
Included Accessories Padded Head Cushion, Reversible Comfort Baby Insert, Storm Cover, UV Sun Shade, Bootcover & Storage Pouch with 2 drink bottle holders

Optional Accessories Second Seat, Bassinet, Steelcraft Infant Carrier

Specifications	Baby Jogger City Select	Baby Jogger Versa	Bugaboo Camelon 3
Single pram but ability to carry a 2nd	Yes	Yes- with glider board only.	Yes
Reversible	Yes- seat is reversible	Yes- seat is reversible	Handle moves and seat is reversible
Glider board or toddler seat attachment	Yes- glider board and 2nd seat. With 16 combinations! Can be both forward facing, both mummy facing, facing towards each other, one in a capsule and one in a seat, seat or capsule and toddler board, its endless! Adapters and 2nd seat required.	Glider board only	Yes – seat only
Hand break (so glider board doesn’t get in the way when in use, also don’t damage shoes)	Yes- easy to use!	Yes – easy to use like City Select!	Yes- not happy with it though
Big hood/canopy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Adjustable handlebar	Yes – 38.5” to 41.5” from the ground	Yes – 32”to 42”	Yes – 39” to 44”
Storage	Yes- Huge zipped basket, can fit 2 large diaper bags.	Yes	Yes
Clear window on hood, with mesh preferable	Yes- magnetic closure	Yes, 2! - magnetic	No
Adjustable foot rest	Yes- 4 positions	Yes
Extra storage	Yes- Medium size mesh pocket on back of seat to store phone, wallet and keys. No parent console or cup holder.	Yes - Medium size mesh pocket on back of seat to store phone, wallet and keys. No parent console or cup holder.	No additional storage or cupholder
Easy to hold, preferable one handed	Yes- one piece	Yes- one piece	No- folds into 2 pieces.
Weight	Ok- 28lbs	Yes- 26 lbs	Yes – 21 lbs
Recommended weight	6 mths to 45lbs	6 months to 50 lbs	6mths to 37.5.”
Length of  seat	12” wide seat and 21” high (back of seat to canopy) Can get 3” more by adjusting seat.	12” wide and 24” high. Depth 9.5” to 19.5” adjustable	13” wide seat and 23” high. Depth is 11”
Folded dimensions	Seat on 42”Lx26”Wx12.5”H	Seat on 33”Lx23”Wx12”H	Without wheels 35”Lx20”Wx12”H
Front Wheels Rear Wheels Overall Length Overall Width	8” 12” 43.5” single, 53” double 25.75”	8” 8” 39.50” 23.25”	6” 12” 34” 24”
Warranty	Lifetime warranty on frame  and 1 year on parts and fabric	Lifetime warranty on frame  and 1 year on parts and fabric	2 year warranty from original date of purchase and original owner.
Colours	Onyx black, Ruby red, Quartz beige, amethyst purple, Teal new colour	Onyx black, Ruby red, Quartz beige, amethyst purple, Teal new colour	Black, Orange, red, sand, pink, offwhite, royal blue and patrol blue.
Accessories	2nd seat $, child tray $, bassinet $, car seat adapter, parent console, skate board , baby capsule	child tray $, bassinet $, car seat adapter, parent console, skate board , baby capsule	INCLUDED bumper bar, raincover and bassinet. Footmuff, seat liner, umbrella attachment, cupholder, suncanopy, snack tray, adult console, rough terrain wheels, glider board, mosquito net, car seat adapter, storage bag
One hand recline	Yes- V shape	Yes- V shape
Fabric	Nice, easy to clean and cold machine wash. Not to use in dyer as will shrink.	Nice, easy to clean and cold machine wash. Not to use in dyer as will shrink.	Nice, easy to clean and cold machine wash. Not to use in dyer as will shrink.
5 Point Harness	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wheels	2x 8”front and 2x12” rear. Forever ties (never go flat). Front wheels can be locked into place when going straight in rough terrain.	All four 8” Forever ties (never go flat).	2x12” rear. Forever ties (never go flat). Turn around handle back going straight in rough terrain. - Transforms to 2 wheeler!
Automatic lock	No	Yes
Can fit a capsule, so a travel system	Yes	Yes	Yes
RRP Price	$949	$580	$1,279
Store	Baby Bunting	Pram Warehouse	Baby Bunting
Bargain Buy!	$769 +Delivery ThinkPram.com.au $789 PramWarehouse (at Underwood!)	Pram Warehouse $580
Comments	I really like the hand break system, a bit on the heavier side of “light”. PS: It’s not a jogging stroller!	Very similar to City Select, only main thing is you can’t have a 2nd seat. But you can have a toddler board, which is just as good!	I really disliked the hand breaking system. It felt hard and I was scared getting my fingers stuck. A bit pricey! Folds into 2 pieces, also dislike!

I’m really liking the Baby Jogger City Select or the Versa. Hopefully, I can buy a brand new one or get one as a gift!! I know wishful thinking – Black, Teal or Red would be ideal!

I'll do a big review on how well the pram is and close up pictures when I buy it!!!

Another child on board??..... try this as an option!!

You can buy Glider Boards from Pram Warehouse that fit the Baby Jogger. I would expect that other baby shops will also have this kind of glider board available. Price range was $100-$200.

Thinkprams.com.au has a Revelo Kid Sit Boards for $189, which is pretty cool! 

Whats your favourite pram/stroller and why did you choose it?

Dentist Visit

Another of my favourite visits to the dreaded Dentist! Today was fixing a tooth filling and checking all other cavities. I had a filling which had partial broken off, so the dentist had to remove the rest of the filing and re-fill it. This would be the last filling on this tooth, next time I'll need a root canal or have it removed :( 

The xrays and procedure cost $310.00. It wouldve been $370.00, but I have Smile so I got a discount.

NEW FLASH!! Check out Smile Dental Cover Plans, check out their dentists and their fees!!

I paid $88 to cover myself and my husband for 1 year! With my first visit I save $60 already!

Once your pregnant you are advised not to get injections or take pain relief medications as it can affect the baby. It’s really good if you can go to your dentist before you get pregnant to get any repairs done.

I have teeth grinding problems also known as Bruxism, it is stress related and mainly due to work. I used to wear a normal mouthguard to sleep and it was so uncomfortable.  The Dentist advise in purchasing a thin custom mouthguard which costs $140.00. I'm considering going next week to get an impression done.

Australia doesn’t have Bruxism mouth guards at local shops or pharmacies/chemists. It’s really annoying and I can only by online Dr Brux or through Ebay. But i think having a custom mouthguard from the Dentist is much better!

Anyone have any good Bruxism and how did you relieve your pain?

Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination!

Friday 9th May 2014, today I received my MMR shot at 4:30pm. Hubby drove me there and waited in the car till it was over. I was happy he could come along as I was worried I might get a reaction to the MMR.

I had a bad reaction to Gardasil many years ago. I walked out of the Doctors and stopped on the street and phoned my brother to come get me. My house was only a 10 minute walk away, but I was that weak and dizzy that I couldn’t walk. Weird and scary! Never got the other 2 Gardasil shots.

Anyway, I had another doctor,a man one, instead of my usual lady doctor. That man doctor administered the injection, as apparently the nurse was not there to do it.

This is pretty much how my doctor’s appointment goes:

Dr: “Why are you getting the shot?”

Me: “My recent blood test says I’m not immune”

Dr: “Have you ever had this shot? When you were younger?”

Me: “It should show on your records. I think I have.” (Thinking to myself: cant he check the records!!!)

Dr: “ Why do  you need it, is it a work requirement?”

Me: “ I want to get pregnant. “

Dr: “Make sure you don’t get pregnant for 2 months”

Me: “ It says 3 months on the box booklet and my regular doctor also said wait 3 months” (Thinking to myself: I’m going to do 3 months! I don’t care what you say. Box says 3 months and that’s what I’m going to do! At least 2 full menstrual cycles..)

Dr: “No 2 months is okay.”

Then he started unpacking the injection and bottle while he was on the phone, and then prepared it infront of me and then I swear he didn’t even wipe my skin with alcohol before he injected. I didn’t see him wash his hands.

I felt like it was not hygienic enough to what I had expected would happen.

I am not happy with that doctor, he didn’t even read the records and hygiene care factor was low. I will never see him again!

The shot didn’t really hurt at all, just a prick and it was done fairly quickly.

I had the shot in my left arm and feel like my heart is racing a bit. I just finished watching a movie and having Domino’s pizza, and still it feel fast. Also its cold and I feel like sniffles are coming along. Great! Trying to keep warm with long jammies and a warm blanket.

Might grab myself a warm tea with real lemon juice !

UPDATE: Period is late! Should've started 27 May 2014 (21 Days), did pregnancy test and am not pregnant.. I think the vaccine stuffed up my body again!  .... :(

Blood Test Results- an injection required! :(

I went to see the doctor a few days ago and got some good and bad news.

Good, my blood count is all within the normal range yay! I'm also immunised still against chicken pox.

Bad, my Measles, Mumps and Rubella (aka German Measles) (MMR) levels require me to get another shot and also my vitamin D levels are low-normal (50).

Dam it needles!!!!!! I think I will be okay with injections :S

Also the once I get the MMR, I need to not get pregnant within 3 months of vaccination, doctors orders! I read that many countries advise ladies to only wait 1 month but 3 months is much more safer.

So I've put my prescription in with the chemist and will pick it up in the next few days. Hopefully will also then be able to book a time with the doctors and nurse to receive the injection.

So lets say 9th May I get injection, 3 months later would be 9th August. Perfect timing as I was hoping 7th-8th August to start trying, plus we will be overseas at the time, so falling pregnant on a holiday could possibly happen!!

UPDATE: Actually did get the injection on 9th MAY 2014!!
Read about it by clicking here!!

Okay so more info on MMR...

Measles is the most serious of the three diseases. It is a highly infectious illness spread by droplets from the nose and mouth.

Common symptoms include: fever, rash, loss of appetite, tiredness, cough, runny nose, painful red eyes, ear infections, diarrhoea. Children who get measles usually have to spend about 5 days in bed and have 10–14 days off school, if there are no serious complications.

Serious complications include: pneumonia, fever induced convulsions or fits, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Children may be hospitalised. A rare late complication of measles is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which causes progressive brain damage and is always fatal.

Mumps is less contagious than measles. Mumps is usually a mild disease in children. However, serious complications can occur.

Common symptoms include: low grade fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, headache, general aches and pains, runny nose, painful and swollen glands in the cheeks, neck or under the jaw. These symptoms usually go away within 10 days or so. 

Serious complications include: inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), partial or complete deafness. Adolescent boys may experience painful, swollen testicles, which very rarely causes infertility. Mumps may cause spontaneous miscarriage during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Rubella, which is also known as German measles, is usually a mild disease. However, rubella can have serious consequences for children and pregnant women. Rubella infection will normally last for 48–72 hours. 

Common symptoms include: fever, tiredness, swollen glands, joint pain, sore eyes, red rash around the ears and neck. 

Serious complications include: inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), tendency to bleed or bruise (thrombocytopenia).

Congenital rubella: If a woman catches rubella during the first 3 months of her pregnancy, the virus almost always causes serious birth defects in her unborn child including deafness, blindness, heart defects and intellectual impairment.