April 05, 2022
When you’re planning for your baby, a good stroller is always at the top of your list, and finding the right one can be a challenge. It needs to be safe and comfy for your baby, but also easy-to-use and built to last. Especially if you’re an overwhelmed first-time parent, this might be no easy feat.
Thankfully, it’s easy to choose the best stroller for your lifestyle, when you ask yourself a few simple questions. Here’s what you need to know!
If you’re finding yourself spending hours (and hours, and hours) researching strollers online, then it’s time to step back. Let’s take a minute to think about what really matters in a stroller. It needs to be safe (obviously), and it needs to fit your lifestyle. That means it needs to be able to grow with you and your family, whatever your plans.
Here are 3 main questions to ask yourself when trying to choose the best stroller for your family.
In our experience, most parents are looking for a solid, safe stroller that will grow with their child through toddlerhood.
If that’s the case, then we recommend the Bumbleride Indie Stroller, which comes in a variety of colours.
This is a lovely all-terrain stroller that is perfect for an active family. It’s infant-compatible, but your toddler will also be safe and snug, too.
Trust us: if you have a car, a car seat compatible stroller makes life soooo much easier. Thankfully, the Bumbleride Indie Stroller fits the bill, as do many other options in our Victoria, BC baby boutique.
For example, another great option is the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller. It lets you attach the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat with NO ADAPTER REQUIRED, or you can also use car seats from major manufacturers like Nuna or Maxi-Cosi for a convenient travel system (with the sold-separately Car Seat Adapters). You can also use the included overnight-approved bassinet on the stroller or inside your home. This versatile stroller can be used with up to two seats, car seats or bassinets for siblings or twins, and can even accommodate 3 kids with the PiggyBack Board accessory!
Speaking of siblings or twins, think about your family - including what you think your family might look like in the future. If you have more children or plan to have more children, it’s best to choose a stroller like the already-mentioned UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller that can push more than one child.
Having twins, or potentially children in quick succession? Then you'll want to opt for what’s called a double stroller. We love the Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller, which makes it easy to stay on the move with two. With either twins or an infant and toddler, this versatile side-by-side stroller gives you a customized fit for each little one with quick access to both. It’s also easy and completely seamless to fold, thanks to the ergonomic trigger release on the handlebar!
You don’t have to give up your active lifestyle just because you have a baby in tow. You just need to find the right stroller! If you plan to run or hike with your little one, then opt for a stroller with all-terrain wheels, all-wheel suspension, and a durable, ergonomic design.
One of our top recommendations is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller, in part because its signature one-hand compact fold, adjustable handlebar, and hand-operated parking brake provide you with the ultimate convenience. We also love that the adjustable calf support and near-flat seat recline allow you to find the most comfortable position for your child.
Finally, will you and your baby be spending lots of time downtown, running around, jumping in and out stores, on and off buses, and maybe up and down an elevator or stairs? Then you’ll need a city-friendly stroller that is as lightweight and maneuverable as it is sturdy and ergonomic.
We love this compact 3-wheel Thule Spring Stroller for just this reason. It offers excellent maneuverability for the city and an easy one-hand fast, compact fold that is also self-standing to help keep everything clean (love that!).
There are lots of baby items you can order online, which is why we’re happy to offer free local delivery on orders $110+ and free shipping on most orders over $160 (see our shipping policies here for exclusions).
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October 27, 2024
October 27, 2023
October 21, 2023
In September, Torin was referred to a Pediatric Endochrinologist in order to receive endochrinology clearance prior to his surgery in Chicago. After discussing the ongoing management and the stability of his Hypothyroidism diagnosis (a very commonly-seen hormonal disorder in individuals with Down syndrome), we debated whether to schedule an ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Stimulation Test at the Pediatric Daycare Unit at Victoria General Hospital to check Torin's adrenal response to stress.
About a week after the stim test, we received a call from Torin's Endochrinologist. Much to their surprise, Torin's cortisol levels barely changed AT ALL following ACTH administration. He was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency, also knows as Cortisol Dependency.
It's a HUGE relief that this condition was caught prior to Torin's liver surgery. We quickly begin daily oral Predinisone treatments to help manage his cortisol levels, and we have a modified emergency plan in place that involves immediate intramuscular injection of steroid hormone in the case of a medical illness or emergency. Such an emergency could be a severe head bump, a fever with vomiting, a broken bone or a car accident. The injectable steroid will help Torin's body cope with the stress associated with a traumatic event, keeping his blood pressure and blood sugar levels stable. It could absolutely save his life in the case of a severe trauma.
We also have a modified plan in place for the surgery to fix his Portosystemic Liver Shunt in Chicago at Lurie Children's Hospital this November. He will receive an increased "stress dose" or oral Prednisone (steroid) in advance of his surgery and prior to invasive tests or general anesthetics. Throughout his procedures and surgeries, his cortisol levels will be closely managed and he will receive IV doses of steroids while unconscious.
We are so relieved to be armed with this new diagnosis and with better knowledge of how to help keep Torin safe and healthy: both during his day-to-day activities, and throughout his upcoming international medical treatments. As always, we are extremely grateful to have access to such exemplary healthcare in our city, as well as amazing medical specialists to help manage Torin's health and wellness.