Stubborn Dads

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

2012-09-27T07:28:00.001-07:00

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)

2012-09-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

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)

2011-05-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-08-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

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:

Other Baby Bottle Considerations -- Staying BPA-Free

2010-07-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

As a follow-up to yesterday's post regarding baby bottles, I thought I would add a few additional points for you to consider when purchasing a baby bottle, regardless of the maker.

First, I'm sure you've heard of BPA (otherwise known as bisphenol A) and its potential harmful effects on humans. There was a time -- way back in 2006 -- when it was the scare du jour.

BPA is of particular concern in baby bottles because they often contain heated formula or milk.  It is this contact with heated liquids that is thought to cause BPA to leach from the plastic, in turn contaminating the liquid within. Moreover, studies have concluded that there is "some concern" that BPA can have an adverse effect on the brain, behavior, and prostate glands in infants and children. (As opposed to "negligible concern" in adults.)

As of this post, the FDA has stopped short of an outright ban on BPA-carrying plastics for baby products, yet it has noted that there are some concerns that the chemical can be harmful and is committed to further studies on the issue.

So what does this mean for you? Importantly, it means that -- despite the potential health risks -- bottle makers are not required to refrain from using BPA-carrying plastics in their baby bottles. But don't freak out just yet.  In 2009, the six largest manufacturers of baby bottles (Avent, First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex, and Evenflon) agreed to ban the substance from their bottles (at least, for products sold in North America -- See FAQ on Philips Avent Site and this article). No doubt you have seen the advertising on these bottles signifying that they are indeed "BPA-Free."

Even with these measures, caution is still warranted for several reasons:

(i) parents are prone to accept hand-me-down bottles made prior to 2009;

(ii) sippy cups are still likely culprits to be made with BPA-carrying plastics (and most parents will not hesitate to give their child a sippy cup around the six-month mark);

(iii) there are undoubtedly some unscrupulous manufacturers still busy making bottles and sippy cups containing BPA; and

(iv) some overseas products, even those made by the largest bottle makers, may include BPA.

So, how do I ensure that my baby bottles don't contain BPA?  Here are a few suggestions:

First, buy only new BPA-Free bottles or sippy cups from trusted sources. Don't buy an off-brand or knock-off unless you can attest that the maker stands behind their claim that the bottle does not contain BPA-carrying plastics. Instead, buy from one of the six largest manufactures: Avent , First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex, or Evenflon (and buy from a North American distributor).

Second, don't buy or accept old bottles without ensuring that they are BPA-free. How do you figure out if the old bottle contains BPA? Here are three pretty basic and non-scientific ways:

(1) Figure out when the bottles or sippy cups were purchased. If they were bought before the middle of 2009, there's a chance that they contain BPA (Philips Avent, for example, stopped selling BPA baby bottles in North America on December 31, 2008). To further assess whether the pre-2009 bottles contain BPA, see points (2) and (3) below.

(2) BPA is leached only from certain types of plastics. The most common type used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, etc. is polycarbonate plastic. Because polycarbonate plastic fits into "Type 7" in the list of packaging materials, it can often be identified by looking for the "Type 7" label somewhere on the product. Accordingly, if the bottle or sippy cups have the symbol below (or identifies itself as being made from polycarbonate plastic), do not use it:

(3) Because BPS is only contained in certain types of plastics, you can safely rule it out in others. For example, many Dr. Brown's bottles (including the inner pieces -- the nipple is silicone) are made from polypropylene, which does not contain or leach BPA. Polypropylene plastics can often be identified by the "Type 5" packaging label. Thus, if it indicates on the packaging that it is made from polypropylene, or has the label below on the bottle, then it is OK.

(Note that the nipple and inner-workings of Dr. Brown's bottles are made from acceptable polypropylene plastic, but some pre-2009 bottles were made from polycarbonate plastics. As with any hand-me-down baby products, choose carefully when deciding whether to use them.)

Third, and finally, you always have the option of choosing glass instead of plastic. While heavier and less durable, if you are overly suspicious of all types of plastic and want to guarantee that your baby is not getting BPA, then this is the way to go.

So there are my thoughts on BPA and why you should choose BPA-free baby bottles. What are yours? Do you use glass bottles and cups to avoid BPA? Do you use hand-me-downs? Do you think the scare over BPA is overblown?

Give us your thoughts. We Stubborn Dads want to know.

Stubborn, Very Stubborn, Baby Bottles

2010-07-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Here we go: Baby bottles.

They can't really be classified as gadgets, but they often have lots of parts; are covered by many, many patents (look at the packaging sometime); and are an absolute necessity for every child (at least at some point). So they're almost gadget-like, and thus a good topic for discussion. (Not to mention that a friend asked that I write about them -- thanks Jo!)

My first qualm with baby bottles is that there are just too many options! And the makers of these products are no fools. Take a look at any bottle packaging and you'll most likely see well-placed and effective marketing. It's a fact that you're newborn will likely have acid-reflux or an immature esophagus and will like to belch up lots of milk every time you turn around. It's prevalent in about half of newborns -- a rite of passage, some might say. Bottle makers are aware of this, and they are ready to pounce on your every emotion to get you to try their bottle in order to keep that white mess from flowing back up. In addition, bottle makers also seize on the fears of parents that their baby will develop colic through use of an improper bottle (which may simply be a myth).

But the problem is really that -- no matter what the bottle you try -- odds are you won't be able to completely stop the stuff from coming up! (Experience tells me so.) Only time will really solve the problem.

So does that mean that the bottle doesn't make a difference? No. I do believe that a good bottle can help tide the upchucks (along with putting the baby in a more upright position, burping often, and finding the correct nipple flow). But then there's the problem of figuring out which bottle works.

And again we have a problem. Each child, like their respective parents, has its own temperament. (Go figure!) So trial and error may be the only solution in some instances. That said, I've had my fair share of trial and error with baby bottles, and like most things, I have my stubborn opinion on which ones are good -- and which ones you are best leaving at the store for another unsuspecting parent to try, figure out it doesn't work, and discard with all the rest.

First up, the sizes: wide or narrow nipple? Does it really matter? Answer is, I don't know, but my guess is probably not. Some articles I've seen on the subject suggest that some babies "prefer" wide nipples, and other articles suggest that breast-feeding mothers should choose wide nipples to deter nipple confusion. I don't particularly like the wide ones because they tend to overflow often. I otherwise don't have a preference, but your baby might. So go with your gut (and baby) on this one, and let us Stubborn Dads know if there's a reason you prefer one over the other.

Second, I can plainly say that, for a variety of reasons, there are some bottles that I would avoid. These go in the category of marketing is good, but bottle... not so much. They come in the most appealing packages, they're snake-like clever in their marketing, and they seek to appeal to your every emotion. They say things like, "helps prevent fussing and colic" (or some similar empty promise that is hard to substantiate). Not that their intentions aren't in the right place, but execution is lacking.

Let's start with the Ventaire by Playtex.

These bottles are unique in design because they can be opened at either end, and they have an angled neck, which allegedly helps alleviate inner-ear infections in babies. (Any time a bottle is used for feeding, your child has a greater chance of developing an inner-ear infection -- simply putting the baby in an upright position helps negate this possibility.).

My problems with the Ventaire bottles are numerous. First, I'm not sure it always works. You can tell when its working by the sound of air escaping the bottom of the bottle. This means that you can also tell when it's not working -- something that happened often in my experience. Second, there is a small rubber seal that goes in the bottom of the bottle to perform the "venting" process. Word of warning here: If you forget to put this seal in, it won't take you long to figure out that it's not there. More than once I was the victim of uncontrollable spillage due to this design. Third, although this is the second-best bottle in terms of retaining nutrients (based on the study discussed below), it's not the first -- and that matters.

Next, there's the Philips Avent Airflex bottles.

These bottles have a "unique skirt" that purports to allow air to escape naturally while feeding. (See website for explanation.) As with other bottles, there are also various nipple sizes that you'll need to select for your baby.

Again, my main problem with the Aventis is that I didn't notice either a lack of spit-up or a lack of fussiness in my little one. Moreover, I found the wide-mouth nipple to cause incredible spillage when in use. With no proven ability to stop colic, these bottles also don't offer the added nutrient benefits (see discussion and graph below).

Then there's the First Years Breastflow bottles.

These bottles are designed to induce the natural sucking motion that babies use when breastfeeding, while also helping alleviate "fussiness and colic." This all sounds well and dandy, but I'm not sure that babies really care if the bottle makes them perform the exact sucking motion used when breastfeeding, so long as they're getting milk. Nipple confusion aside (to the extent that is a definitive problem), this is a non-factor. Also, these bottles again didn't alleviate the frequency or volume of spit-up or fussiness (thankfully, no issues with colic for us).

Further, due to the unique nipple design of the First Years, these bottles were a nightmare to operate and clean. The nipple has two parts, an outer nipple and an inner contraption (for lack of a better description). During feeding, milk fills the cavity between the two parts and refuses to return to the bottle unless two notches on the inner contraption are squeezed together (which is actually by design). This additional requirement when using the bottle is frustrating and, moreover, in practice seems to cause more overflow of milk than decreased spit-up. Thus, the First Years Breastflow is not a winner for me.

Finally, for those who live by and religiously follow Moms on Call (a great tutorial on baby care, which I highly recommend), I'm sure you're prone to try the inexpensive Gerber bottles. These are terrific bottles, but I don't think they can beat my first choice below. That said, if you are looking for an inexpensive, yet good option, then try them. And if you like the Gerber bottles and think they work just as good as my suggestion, then please let us know.

So, after all that rambling, what is my Stubborn Recommendation? For those looking for a bottle that truly meets the promises of its advertising, try Dr. Brown' BPA Free bottles (and ensure that you have the correct nipple level selection -- level one (newborn), level two (3+ months), level three (6+ months), etc.).

Dr. Brown's bottles are good for a couple of reasons. Most importantly, they seem to really limit spit-up when used correctly. This is due to the patented airflow system (positive-pressure, vacuum-free feeding -- see below), which diverts air away from the nipple, in turn limiting the intake of excess air into your already gassy child.

But the bottles also offer another benefit that can't be matched by the others -- a feature especially beneficial for the mother using the bottles as a break from breastfeeding. In particular, a recent test suggests that Dr. Brown's bottles best help limit the loss of essential vitamins inherent in baby milk that occurs through the natural oxidation of nutrients that occurs during bottle feedings.

This means that -- when using the patented Dr. Brown bottles -- your little one is likely to get all the nutrients he or she needs from the milk or formula. As noted in the test, this is particularly important when breastmilk is given through a bottle. (Notably, the second place bottle was the Ventaire bottle discussed above.)

The knock on Dr. Brown's is that "there are just too many parts to keep up with." But guess what? Having an infant around is pretty complicated, and the least of your worries will be keeping up with the two extra pieces that make this product work like it's supposed to. And any baby bottle -- whether it costs $0.89 or $10.00 -- will have at least two pieces (the nipple and the collar) in addition to the bottle itself. Accordingly, adding two more pieces (which are not likely to be confused with anything else) shouldn't cause that much additional grief. Find a drawer to stuff the extra parts in and figure out where they should go each time you load the dishwasher. If you do that, you're set.

But, hey, if you'd rather have a gallon of milk on your clothes, then by all means feel free to keep making the argument...

So there you have my long-winded thoughts on this subject. What are yours? Have you been through trial and error and found one bottle to reign supreme? Do you agree that Dr. Brown's are the best? If not, which one(s) do you like?

Please do tell. We Stubborn Dads want to know.

Stubborn Baby Carriers

2010-07-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Let's start with a debatable topic: Baby Carriers.

First, why do you need one? The answer is simple -- to give you the freedom of mobility to get things done while taking care of your child. God gave you two hands; a good baby carrier gives them back to you. (I'm not saying that you shouldn't spend a lot of time holding your little one, but there are times when you or your back need a break.) A baby carrier keeps your child close, allowing them to feel secure and you to ensure their safety, while also giving you some needed freedom of movement to get on with needed tasks in your life. But read this as meaning small chores, like making up the bed or washing clothes; strapping on a baby carrier will not allow you to mow the lawn or paint the house (but if anyone has tried that, I'd love to know).

Second question: So they're helpful, but are they safe? No doubt you've heard the news that baby slings are bad for your child. But does this actually come as a surprise? Put your head into a soft pillow -- face first -- and see how well you can breath. This is the same situation that you put your baby in (who, I might add, is much less inclined to protest) when you use some of the less desirous baby carriers on the market.

In March of this year, Infantino recalled more than 1 million baby slings due to its potential for suffocating babies. In particular, the carriers were deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because of their poorly designed baby orientation -- that is, the slings placed the babies' faces tight against their mothers' chests and oriented their heads down (arching their necks), causing asphyxiation in extreme cases.So what does this mean? Don't visit eBay, Craigslist, or a yard sale with the intention of buying a baby carrier and end up with a dangerous "Infantino Sling Rider" or any other type of sling for that matter. If it looks like it would smother your baby (see below) -- don't get it!

But also don't get turned off from all baby carriers on the account of a few poorly designed ones. This stubborn dad is not about to loose the ability to enjoy the production of having two hands free while keeping my child occupied just because a few poorly designed models have been identified. Sure, caution is warranted -- even with the good models -- but let common sense rule the day.

Aside from the dangerous sling variant of baby carriers, there are the more commonsensical harness carriers. These don't "compress" your baby. Instead, they put your baby in an upright position, typically just below your head, so you can periodically ensure they are still breathing. When they are young, before they can hold their head up themselves, they face inward against your chest, and later, when they're ready, you can turn them around to face the world. These carriers also allow plenty of air to enter through the various holes in the device (for arms, legs, and head), and the material that they're made from is stiff and isn't likely to clog your child's nose and mouth.

However, just because you have a baby harness doesn't mean that your baby is ready for it. If he or she doesn't meet the weight or height requirements for the device, then don't use it. Some babies are huge when born, some are not. If yours is a munchkin, don't be overeager. Small mouths are much easier to obstruct than large ones.

Now for my Stubborn Recommendation:

There are many models, by many companies, of harness carriers. In fact, the much-beleaguered Infantino has now abandoned all of its sling carriers in favor of various styles of harness carriers:

While the Infantino harnesses are at a good price point, I still would not advise going with them.  The stigma of the recall is too fresh, and there are times when I wonder if I'm paying too little for something that is supposed to protect my little one from injury. I'm all for being cheap -- but in some instances, a little warning goes off in the back of my head that screams, "There's a reason things are cheap," which is true. Not sure if the Infantino is cheap for the wrong reasons, but there's no need to buy one and find out if there are more capable (and reasonably priced) models out there.

I'm also not sure I understand the concept of the "Front2Back Rider" by Infantino. If I'm going on a long walk, the last thing I want to do is carry my child the entire way on my back. I'm not a Nomad or a camel. And what happens to your baby when he or she is behind you? You don't know, do you? Because you can't see them!  Anything that allows you to put your child out of sight doesn't meet the common sense rule for me.

Granted, there are a lot of other "backpack" style carriers on the market (see, e.g., Kelty FC 3.0 Child Carrier, Blue; Chicco Smart Support Backpack, Red), but I'm not the long-hike-with-a-baby-on-my-back kind of dad, and you're probably doing a disservice to your child if you strap 'em in and forget about them on a long hiking trip. Maybe when they're older, but now now.

So a "City" carrier does me just fine. In fact, that's my recommendation:

The Baby Bjorn Original -- City Black ($62) is what I recommend based on personal experience. While more expensive than the Infantino models, its less expensive than the Ergo models -- Ergo Baby Carrier Black with Camel Lining ($110); ERGO baby Carrier Galaxy Grey/Galaxy ($105); Ergo Baby Carrier - Camel ($105) -- and it does the trick.

The Baby Bjorn company dates back to 1961, and it has a long history of collaborating with pediatricians to get its products right. The Baby Bjorn original is not complicated to use (see instructions), can be used when your child is a newborn (assuming they weigh at least 8 lbs. and measure 21 inches long), and avoids the pitfalls of the slings warned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

There are, of course, other models of harness carriers made by Baby Bjorn.  These include the following:

These are all good products, but the added expense doesn't really justify the added functionality, does it (is the Comfort Carrier really twice as comfortable)? Why pay more for something that can be done just as well with the original? It's a fascinating concept as to how marketing can make things more appealing -- a topic that I'll save for another day.

In conclusion, you're not running a race with your baby, and you probably won't be walking around for more than 30-45 minutes with him or her in the carrier (either because your back hurts or because your baby is crying up a storm). Therefore, stick with the original.  If comfort is an issue, consider paying the extra cash for the BABYBJÖRN Comfort Carrier, Anthracite, but otherwise, go with the Classic and save your money for something more important -- like The Stroller.

Now you have my take -- what's yours?  Is anyone else stubborn about their carrier? Is anyone unreasoanble and perverse enough to still use a sling? If so, why?  I assure you I'm curious to know. And who else agrees that the Baby Bjorn Classic is the best-in-class, no-frills carrier?

Please let us Stubborn Dads know.

Welcome!

2010-07-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Stubborn Dads.

Let me introduce myself. I'm a father of two and stubborn. It's a common trait in my family -- I come from a long line of stubborns. Mr. Webster defines us as: (1) unreasonable or perversely unyielding, or (2) justifiably unyielding. I prefer number (2) because I'm neither unreasonable nor perverse, yet always justified. You may have a different view.

In any event, I've welcomed myself to cyberspace to espouse my views for your reading and disagreeing pleasure. It's my prerogative, correct? This is my blog. I can say what I choose. Your opinion is relevant here too, but don't think you'll change my mind. Because you won't. I'm stubborn that way.

In this particular blog, and for some time to come, I hope to impart my "wisdom" regarding fatherhood. In particular, I'll focus on the gadgets invented to make life easier for us stubborn dads. Baby gadgets are what I think most men adapt to most quickly, because it's the closest thing to wiring surround sound or installing a flat-screen TV. And in a way, being a dad is a lot like assembling baby toys. It's a big mess at first, but then it all comes together.

So we'll proceed as follows: I'll pick a gadget, give you the scoop on what's available, tell you what makes or breaks each product, and give you my stubborn conclusion. I won't guarantee that I've had personal experience with each product, but I will guarantee that I'll have an opinion.

Whether you agree or not, please join the discussion. Let us stubborn dads unite. Together, we can argue over whose right or wrong, and when we agree, justify almost anything.