Stubborn Tablets (Aren't They Just Over-Priced Baby Gadgets?)

The World's Greatest Baby Gadget?

Let's talk about something near and dear to my heart - my iPad.  I still have the first edition, and it still kicks along quite nicely, considering it's almost three years old. And it is especially impressive considering how much abuse I put it through.  It has replaced the need for a full-time computer in our home (although this blog is not written on it), and has become the choice du jour for any entertainment needs for our family.  

Which, speaking of, today I'd like to try to answer a simple question:  Is the iPad (or any other tablet or smart phone for that matter) a good baby toy?  This Stubborn Dad's answer is YES.  In fact, it's not just a good baby toy - it's a great one.  The amount of functions available to entertain a squealing infant or fidgety toddler is just amazing.  What are some such apps?  Here's a list of my favorites for our toddler (a girl):

Dora
Hello Kitty
Watch Disney Junior (very good, even if you don't have a cable affiliate)

And (while we don't use it with our six-month old), here's a website showing those apps geared for infants (and older children two):  http://gizmodo.com/5532261/the-best-ipad-apps-for-babies-toddlers-and-sanity+loving-parents

Functionality aside, and despite my ringing endorsement of the item as a good baby toy, there are important questions that every parent should ask before handing over the thinly shaved rectangle electronics to their little ones.  These are not easy questions, but they must be asked.  First, are tablets durable enough to last through the bumps and bruises of being a baby toy?  And second, regardless of how great a toy the device is, is it safe for my baby to use (i.e., is it worse than watching hordes of television for excessive periods of time) and should I buy one for my little one?

Let's examine both issues:

Is A Tablet Durable Enough to Be a Baby Toy?

In my experience, the short answer is YES.  Our iPad (first edition) is now approaching three years old, and although the inside is slowing, the outside remains almost mint.  This may be to the fact that we have a black case over the back, but even without a screen protector, the front screen remains in great shape.  Not that it hasn't been put to test, either.  Our daughter loves to punch the buttons on the screen (although, as she's grown older, she's learned to be more careful), and not a single loving TKO has caused harm as of yet.  Maybe this is due to the limited force that can be produced by my daughter, but punches aside, even the loving drops (from the couch, car seat, etc.) have caused no harm to the device.

As a precaution, many people may be interested in getting a case to protect their typically expensive tablets.  If you do, maybe consider a water resistant one like the one on the right (link to this): , which will prevent frequent spills (the much more likely harming agent to your tablet).    

Is It Safe For My Baby or Toddler to Use?

Okay, so here's the million dollar question - even if the tablet can be used with your baby or toddler, should it be?  This answer is much more complex, and I won't profess to have any special insight, other than to say it is a parenting choice that should be based on as much information as possible.  The pediatric society has always sought to limit children's "screen time," and so this would include "tablet time" too, it's safe to assume.

However, the tablet is not a television screen (unless it is only being used for movies, shows, etc.), so it's hard to apply the rule of "no tv for children under two" and "2 hours of tv for children over two" to a tablet (see here for typical guidelines).  Instead, the tablet is an interactive device, that allows learning through any number of applications focused on memory and cognitive reasoning.  So a straight "no tablet" approach for children under two maybe too stringent. That said, the typical approach should still be considered.

Whatever the answer, this Stubborn Dad believes that if the tablet is becoming a substitute for parenting, then it is too much, whatever the quantity.  A tablet can be used as a "reward" for a child older than two, and for children under two, it seems to be a great device (in limited quantities) for educational purposes.  However, content matters, so it's important to be cognizant of what information is going into your child's mind, whatever the source.

For other views on this issue, take a look at these sites:

Psychology Today
Times

Should I Buy One For My Infant/Toddler?

Given the above, the next question is whether a parent should "invest" in a tablet for their child.  This Stubborn Dad's answer is NO (especially for children under two).  This is party because they not inexpensive, and forking out hundreds of dollars for a device that could decrease the physical activity of your child is probably not a good idea.

However, if you have one already (or are contemplating getting one), I would say that you should be more than willing to share your prized device with your little one from time to time.  Just install a page of apps specifically for your child, and let them go to town every once in a while.  But monitor the usage, and don't let the tablet become your crutch - for you or them.  If it ever feels like its becoming one, maybe consider hiding the tablet away from your child - and you!

So what's your take?  Do you let your children use your tablet computer?  Do you have any concerns regarding the unknown effects of children using the devices?  Which tablet do you think is the best?  Let us know.  We Stubborn Dad wants to know.

Stubborn Strollers (Of Luxury - An Update, Of Sorts)

In the previous posts, we took a look at the Bugaboo Cameleon and the UPPAbaby Vista.

Since that time, the Third Generation of the Bugaboo Cameleon (see left) has been released.  The improvements are as follows: easier unfolding, sturdier frame, better suspension, cleaner lines, and a rotatable carry handle.  These improvements are important, especially the one-hand unfolding and the improved frame.

However, since last posting, I have had the opportunity to use both the Vista and the older-generation Cameleon in a variety of day-to-day "test drives." With the benefit of that experience, this Stubborn Dad is of opinion that -- while good -- the improvements to the Cameleon have not gone far enough.  I've taken a different position in the past, but it is my opinion now that the practicality of the Vista outweighs the numerous functional (and cool) aspects of the Cameleon (even the Third Generation).  In fact, the most recent "evolution" of the Cameleon is based partly on the success of the Vista (see the sturdier frame, one-hand unfolding, and rotatable carry handle).

You can read here and here about the various attributes of the two strollers, but on the basic of functional levels, the winner of this argument comes to one thing, which is curiously absent from the picture above -- the size of the Luxury Stroller's storage space.

Take a look at the basket over on the right.  Notice that it is HUGE.  To a point, that is the major functional difference between these two strollers.  When you go on a family outing, you can actually access your items with the Vista.  With the Bugaboo (Third Generation or not), you will have a hard time, especially if you have the seat reclined to any extent. This is partly due to the raised platform on the Vista, but moreso because the Vista uses the entire chassis as a storage central for baby items.  It's something that your wife will notice quickly, and you will too.

So while I love the Cameleon's design and features, the Vista still has it beat.  At least, until the Fourth Generation of the Cameleon comes out with a higher seat height and larger storage space...

So what's your take? Let us Stubborn Dads know.  

Stubborn Strollers (Of Luxury -- Part Two)

And we're back.  Where were we?  Oh yeah, the mega, the ultimate, the supreme baby gadget:  The Stroller.

In the last post, we began discussing the luxury category ($500 and up) of strollers by reviewing the Bugaboo models.  The versatilty of the Bugaboo is hard to beat.  However, there are other strollers that give it a run for its luxury money.  And that brings us to the "new kid" on the block...

The UPPAbaby Vista 

Like the Bugaboo, the UPPAbaby sits on an aluminum frame and is versatile enough for a ride on the beach or Park Avenue.  The Vista was conceived and designed (but not manufactured) in the United States by a husband and wife duo named Bob and Lauren.  In essence, they captured the spirit of the Bugaboo, with its bassinet to buggy versatility, and put it in an American form.  And like most things American, the Vista is just a little bigger than its European counterpart -- mainly in it's wide stance (think Suburban versus Volvo). 

Like the Frog or Cameleon, the seat on the Vista is reversible so your litle one can face you (but note that the bassinet only is capable of facing the "driver").  But unlike the Bugaboo models, the Vista does not have a reversible handle-bar, so the large front tires must do the brunt of the work when traveling over rough terrain.  Also, the Vista is not capable of "two-wheel" mode, for those pulls on the beach that are capable with the Bugaboo.

Other similarities between the models are as follows:

* Shock absorbers in both front and rear tires.

* Like the Cameleon, the tires are run-flat.

* Four sitting positions, including all the way up (for 2011 model) and fully reclined.  As a word of advice, the 2010 and previous models did not have a "full up" position, which was added in the 2011 edition.  This was a major complaint of parents prior to the change.

* Can be equipped with a cup-holder (with chains) and wheely board in the back for a toddler rider.

The major benefits of the Vista are the following.  First, it can be equpped with an additional seat to hold two toddlers or infants (plus a back rider, if equipped).  This may make the difference for most expanding families, as it provides extreme versatility.  The extra seat runs about $150 and can hold a rider up to about 40 pounds.  Second, the Vista costs about $300 less than its Bugaboo Cameleon counterpart (i.e., runs about $700 versus $1,000).  This is another huge savings.

Lastly, I'd be remissed if I didn't comment on the copycat B-Ready Stroller, which runs about $200 less than the Vista.  The B-Ready is very similar, and has the same capabilities as the Vista.  Therefore, if you are thinking about the Vista, you may also take a look at the B-Ready.  The name may be the only perceivable difference between the two, except of course, for the extra $200 in your stubborn pocket.

So what do you think?  Let us know.  

Stubborn Strollers (Part One -- Of Luxury)

It's the mega baby gadget, a must have for every Stubborn Dad, and something that will keep you up at night even before your little squawker arrives: The Stroller.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own benefits and detriments.  And even though you know you won't need it for several months, its the one baby gadget that you'll be jumping to get as soon as you find out your wife is pregnant.

To make this simple, we'll cover the luxury strollers ($500 and up) first, then make our way to the mid-priced strollers ($200 to $499), and then the less-expensive models (less than $200).  Each of these categories may take several blogs, but to make this even easier, we'll save umbrella strollers (the tiny ones that are aptly named because they're small and fold up close to the size of a large umbrella) and jogging strollers (you figure that one out for yourself) for another day.  

So.... here we go:  Strollers -- Luxury Behold ($500+). 

Before diving in, let's get a high-level (read pictorial) lay of the land first.  There are several "mainstream" strollers that fit into the five-hundred and up category.  They are as follows (this list is not exhaustive, so please let me know if I've left off any that are worth mentioning):

The Micralite Toro ($500)

The Mutsy 4 Rider ($549)

The Rock Star Baby I'Coo Targo ($569)

The Maclaren Grand Tour LX ($630)

The Bugaboo Bee ($650)

The UPPAbaby Vista ($700)

The Bugaboo Frog ($750)

The Orbit G2 Stroller ($750)

The Peg Perego Skate ($899)

 

The Bugaboo Cameleon ($979) 

 

Now that's out of the way, let's break 'em down.  And we'll start with the grandaddy of them all:

BUGABOO

No doubt you noticed that Bugaboo has three (count them, three!) top-end strollers in the above list (i.e., the Bee, Frog, and Cameleon). 

That's not by accident.  Bugaboo essentially founded the modern luxury category of strollers back in the early 2000's, releasing the Bugaboo Frog in 2001 and landing it an appearance on the HBO series "Sex and The City" in 2002.  Turning that spark of instant celebrity fame into a huge firestorm was easy for Bugaboo (especially given the benefits of the stroller, as explained below), and since 2002, Bugaboo has only upped the ante with the release of the extremely versatile Cameleon in 2005 and the compact Bee in 2007.  Each of these products has since been followed by a series of inspired limited edition lines -- Denim 007 (2007), Marc Jacobs (2008), Paul Frank (2009), Red Collection (2010), and the newest edition, All Black (June 2010).  

Given it's success, it's no secret that Bugaboo knows how to get attention.  And -- as with any luxury stroller -- Bugaboo's strollers also get their parents lots of attention (wanted or not).  Pushing a luxury stroller is not much different than driving a luxury car -- people think you're either snooty, pompous, rich, lucky, or all of the above.  Despite that, who cares?  These things are worth the dirty looks (even if my wife would disagree)!     

As for the Bugaboo, each stroller is inspired by European engineering principles and designed specifically for versatility and modularity. Max Barenbug is the architectural genius behind the Bugaboo designs.  His dream of the modular Bugaboo stroller started at the Design Academy in Eindhoven in 1994, at which time it was so revolutionary that he and his brother were rejected by stroller manufacturers and forced to start their own company (which has worked out OK, I'd say). 

The beauty of the Bugaboo is really it's simplicity.  Less is really more for this gadget (regardless of the cliche, it's true).  The Frog and Cameleon exemplify this by using a central axis as the core of their designs.  This central axis in practicality allows the handle bars and seat to be reversed, as well as allowing and the stroller to go from four wheels to two with a few quick motions. 

The use of this central axis is not insignificant.  The ability to reverse the handle bars on the Frog and Cameleon (so that the larger wheels are in the front) allows for the device to be navigated over grass, rocks, and other bumpy terrain, while switching the device to two wheels allows for a quick romp (read tug) on the beach. 

All models of the Bugaboo are also novel in that they can be easily broken down to their essential parts:  the super-strong stroller frame (made of aircraft alloy), the suspension wheels, and the seat (or bassinet).  This makes for easy storage using the Bugaboo Transport Bag.

For an overview of how the Bugaboo can be disassembled and used in various configurations, see this video for the Frog; this one for the Cameleon; and this one for the Bee.  

The Bee, the less expensive Bugaboo ($649), doesn't quite have the cache or benefits of the Cameleon or Frog, but it still is a Bugaboo, and therefore has been engineered to perform like one. 

The Bee, for example, does have the Bugaboo trademark suspension wheels, which allow it to be "frog-like" and easily navigate bumpy terrain (and allegedly street curbs).  Nonetheless, with smaller back tires and a lower price, you simply can't expect that the Bee's suspension and handling to be as good as the Frog or Cameleon.  (In other words, don't go pushing the Bee over rocks and expect it to feel like glass.)

The Bee is also smaller than both the Frog and Cameleon, which can be good and bad.  In advertising terms, it is more "nimble" than it's counterparts.  (That said, all Bugaboo's are known for their incredible maneuverability and turning capabilities (i.e., you can spin them 360 degrees with one hand).)  However, because it is smaller, it doesn't possess the large wheels that allow the Frog and Cameleon to go anywhere, including beaches.   

Finally, because the Bee is more compact and designed to be collapsible with the seat intact (as opposed to removing the seat prior to collapsing the frame, as required by the Frog and Cameleon), it doesn't have a reversible handle bar and the seat cannot be reversed (meaning you can't place the child facing you).   

The above are trade-offs, however, that some parents are willing to make when they are looking for a more convenient stroller to plop in and out of the car during quick runs to the grocery store.  Also, although the Bee doesn't have a frame that transforms from a bassinet to a seat like the Cameleon and Frog, the Bee's seat does have the ability to fully recline and, if you want to spring for it, the Bee also supports a "baby cocoon" ($99) for use with infants.

But since we skimmed over it, let's get back to the benefit the Bee has over it's older siblings.  This tipping point for some parents (in addition to the lower price tag) is that the Bee can collapse in one motion without removing the seat as required by the Cameleon and Frog.  This is key, as removing the seat from the Frog and Cameleon can be unwieldy for some parents.

Like its older siblings, the Bee does have the ability to accept optional car seat adapters ($45).  The Bugaboo strollers all accept either the Peg Perego, the Maxi Cosi, and the Graco (with the appropriately matched adapter).  (Word of warning here, the car seat adapters must be removed before collapsing the strollers.)

Finally, the Bee does offer an adjustable handle bar like it's more "luxury" sibling the Cameleon.  If you're a tall dad, you'll love being able to adjust the handle bar to accomodate you're height. 

So what about the Cameleon and Frog?  

Take a look at these strollers and you may think that the only difference between them is the price tags.  You'd be partially right.  The strollers do look similar and have a lot of similar features: reversible handle bar, reversible seat, large wheels for rough terrain.  Further, each stroller has a seat frame that can adapt from a bassinet (to make the stroller a pram) to a seat (to make the stroller a stroller) and vice versa.  (Note, however, that there is one frame and it can be configured either as a bassinet or seat, which means you won't have both options available at the same time.  This seems to be disadventageous, but in reality you will not need the bassinet and seat on the frame at the same time.)  Another commonality of the Frog and Cameleon is that each stroller's seat can be used separate from the stroller (which is really handy at outdoor events, such as sitting poolside). 

But there are also differences between the models.  Are they enough to justify $200 more for the Cameleon?  I think so (when you're paying over $700 for a stroller, why not get the best?), but you're entitled to your own stubborn opinion.

What are the differences between the Frog and Cameleon, you ask?  OK.  I'll tell you.  But not without asking you these five questions:  (1) Does the ability to change the accent fabrics on the stroller matter?  (2) Does enhanced suspension matter?  (3) Does an adjustable handle bar matter? (4) Do you care if your tires are inflatable versus "run-flat"? (5) Does 1/2 inch in additional height for the stroller matter? 

If you answered "NO" (especially if you answered very emphatically), then stop reading, click the link, and buy the Frog:   

But if you answered yes to any of those questions, then you may want to consider whether you should invest a few extra dollars (to be exact, 200) and buy the Cameleon. 

As noted above, the big differences between the Cameleon and the Frog are as follows:

(1) You can purchase tailored fabric in a host of colors to accessorize the Cameleon; you cannot with the Frog. The Cameleon comes with a base fabric (blue, grey, brown, etc.), which cannot be customized once chosen.  However, tailored fabric for the canopy, seat back, and bib on the bassinet may be purchased in various colors and combinations for $99 each. 

This, while it seems trivial, is actually a key feature for the Cameleon.  Just imagine, you have your first child.  You buy a Cameleon in dark grey.  Then you buy tailored fabric to add to the stroller for use with said child -- let's say it's blue, because he's a boy.  Then comes child two, a girl.  Guess what?  You don't have to buy a new stroller.  All you need to do is replace the tailored fabric with pink or yellow, or some other color suitable for a girl other than blue.  Plus, the new tailored fabric gives your stroller that "like new" quality with only a $99 investment.  You simply can't do that with the Frog. 

(2)  The Cameleon has enhanced suspension that allows the ride to be customized based on the weight of the child.  In practicality, most parents will forget that this option exists and leave it on the "softest" suspension through the life of the stroller.  However, stubborn dads like me will use this feature, and will change suspension, going from soft to stiff, as my child grows.  Having the soft suspension available for use with the bassinet does make a difference.    

(3) The Cameleon has adjustable handle bars.  This one's self explanatory.

(4) Here's a big one: the Frog has inflatable tires and comes with a pump for the inevitable day that the tire either gets a hole or goes flat because of age.  The Cameleon, on the other hand, has foam-filled tires that never go flat.  Never going flat verus going flat is a big difference.  If you can make an argument -- any argument -- that the air tires are better, be my guess.  But I just don't see it.  (Note:  Look for the Frog to come with foam-filled tires at some point in the future -- they are just too good not to be used.  That said, the Frog at this point is still sold with air tires.)

(5) The Cameleon is about a half-inch taller than the Frog.  This may also seem trivial, but that inch may allow your child to sit at the dinner table in the stroller versus a high-chair.   

So, you've probably figured out that I like Bugaboo strollers, and in particular I like the Cameleon.  Despite their well-design and function, however, they have their downsides.

First, they're pricey:  paying $1,000 for a stroller is hard to justify when there are much, much, much cheaper models on the market. 

Second, except for the Bee, the requirement that the seat must be removed prior to collapsing the stroller makes it cumbersome.  This isn't so much of a problem if the stroller is not collapsed often, but if you are prone to take it out for errands in a car, then this process of removing and reinserting the seat can be a pain.

Third, the catch that keeps the frame in its collapsed position also makes the Frog and Cameleon difficult to open.  This is complicated by the fact that the person opening the stroller must know exactly what they're doing to keep from cracking their shin each time they attempt to use the stroller.  Getting it right only comes with practice -- something some parents are not willing to do.  If you're one of those parents, get the Bee, or simply don't get a Bugaboo.     

So there you have it, a run down on the Bugaboo luxury strollers.  We'll save the others for future posts (as well as my recommendation in this category), but for now, what are your thoughts?  Do you like or dislike the Bugaboo strollers?  Are you one of those strange folks that has never, and will never, want a Bugaboo?  Why or why not? 

We Stubborn Dads want to know.

Compare and buy the Bugaboo or other strollers at Amazon: