by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

A double seated stroller is an essential baby item whether you have just one baby, twins, or a toddler and a baby. As a mother of 6 and a nanny and sitter, I have had plenty of experience with strollers of all different sizes and seating options. Some were great and some were absolutely more of a pain than they were a help. Here's ten reasons double strollers are the best bet.

Comfort-Level is Higher in a Double Stroller

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A baby or toddler should feel very comfortable in their stroller. They will usually be in there at least 30 minutes at a time. Even 5 minutes in an uncomfortable position is no good for a developing child's muscles. Baby should not have to get sore every time a stroller ride is necessary. Double strollers usually have larger seats with more than one seating position available, which makes it easier for small babies that need to lie all the way back or even toddlers who sometimes tend to slump over when they fall asleep. In addition to having the option to lie all the way down, the double strollers usually come with a head accessory for infants, much like the ones that come with car seats, for positioning baby's head comfortably. It is possible to buy these at most retailers, but it is best to use one that is customized to your specific product for the safest results.

A Larger Umbrella or Sun Shade is Better for Baby

The sunshade is an important feature on a stroller. It will help keep the sun from getting in baby's eyes or sunburning the skin. Most double strollers tend to have larger sunshades or umbrellas than traditional models. Oftentimes the back seat of a double stroller is especially generous with the sunshade.

Larger Wheels Make an Easy Stroll and a Longer-Lasting Product

Wheels on a stroller are one of the most important features. Without the proper wheels, you aren't going to get much mileage out of your stroller. If you will only use your stroller for 5 minute trips, this won't matter much to you, but if you'd like the stroller to be dependable and long-lasting, take a look at the wheels. Double strollers come with a generous size in wheels, which makes for easier pushing, easier navigating, and a longer-lasting product. Smaller wheels tend to break off or bend, which causes the stroller to not work. Without wheels, you aren't going to get very far.The Graco DuoGlider has the best quality wheels that I have seen. While there are some more expensive models with larger wheels, those wheels also tend to break. The Graco model above had the longest-lasting wheels of any of the strollers I have tested. It's still being used and the others are long gone.

Lots of Cargo Room is a Must

When you have a child, you need things to care for that child with you everywhere you go. Double strollers have a larger basket underneath than traditional models. If you still need extra room and you only have one child who needs to be in the stroller, you can also use the back seat of the stroller for even more room.

Double Strollers are Easier To Push

Pushing strollers can be a real pain if you get the wrong model. Most double strollers have a comfortable handlebar that is also substantially higher from the ground than traditional models, making it almost natural to place your hands on the handlebar. While double strollers are large, they are amazingly easy to push. If you come across a model that isn't, you have chosen the wrong double stroller because it can become heavy quite easily once children and cargo are in it.

Extra Spots are Handy

Sometimes when you go somewhere you might run into someone you know. If that person happens to have a tired baby or toddler, you have an extra spot for that person. Maybe you and a friend want to take a walk together but don't want to push two strollers because you'd like to walk side-by-side. A double stroller can come in handy for both of these situations. Another time an extra spot comes in handy is for those "on-a-whim" shopping sprees. Sometimes when you intend to just walk, you take advantage of baby falling asleep and stop in a local store. You may end up buying things that won't fit in the bottom basket. Just seat baby in the front seat and lay the back seat all the way down. It will hold a good amount of stuff. Just be cautious to watch the weight limitations for your particular stroller. An older child can also grow tired during long shopping trips or walks. Depending on the child's weight, you can also place the older child in the backseat if they grow tired. There are some models that have a step-type seat for older children, but the regular recliner seats are much more comfortable.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

When an infant has constipation, it can cause discomfort, and sometimes pain as well. Giving a baby medications to relieve constipation may not always be a preference or a choice. I have always preferred natural relief over medication when possible, especially when it comes to infants. These all natural ways to relieve constipation that are based on my own experiences as a mother, as well as research I've done over the years.

Signs & Symptoms of Infant Constipation

Symptoms and signs of infant constipation may include crankiness, no bowel movements for hours or longer, clenching fists, or small and hard bowel movements. The type of treatment a baby is given will depend on the infant's age.

Warning About Using Corn Syrup in Young Infants

If your baby is under 2 months of age and experiencing constipation, the pediatrician should be consulted on what to do. Some have been known to use corn syrup (or Karo syrup) as an all natural treatment for infants with constipation. According to information found on theMayoClinic website, this is not recommended and may not be safe.

All Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation

Water - This may seem like a logical treatment. However, since infants don't typically drink water, it may not be a first thought. As long as an infant is over 2 months of age, try 2-4 ounces of water once or twice a day somewhere between feedings. Do not replace a feeding with water.

Fruit Juice - If water does not seem to relieve infant constipation, another all natural way to try is fruit juice. Just as with the water, offer a baby over 2 months 2-4 ounces once or twice per day, in addition to regular feedings. If a baby will drink it, I've found infant prune juice to work the best.

Light Tummy Rub - Gently rubbing an infant's tummy is also an all natural way to relieve infant constipation. Even if it doesn't relieve the constipation, it may calm and soothe the baby.

Light Back Rub - If the tummy rub doesn't work, lie the baby on the stomach and gently rub the infant's back.

Baby Fruit - If a baby is old enough (at least 4 months) and accustomed to spoon feeding, you might try feeding him or her a baby fruit, such as prunes, peaches, or pears a couple times per day.

If these all natural ways to relieve infant constipation do not seem to work, it is best to contact your child's pediatrician for advice. Also, pay attention to your infant and look for other symptoms that may warrant a visit to the doctor. Some of these signs can include vomiting or crankiness that cannot be soothed.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

*I originally published this content via Yahoo Contributor Network

Potty training effectively involves many factors, such as patience and consistency. If you have decided to use training pants as effective means of potty training your child, there are some things you'll need to know. As a mom of multiple children, I'm sharing 5 ways to effectively use potty training pants, based on my experiences. These are methods I've tried with success.

Don't Use the Potty Training Pants Like Diapers
Never treat the potty training pants the same as diapers. Using them as diapers only confuses the child. Use diapers during nap times and at night until training is done. When accidents occur, unless the potty training pants are messy, have the child sit on the toilet and wipe instead of treating it like a diaper change. This helps teach the child that the toilet is now the proper place for restroom duties and that potty training pants are not a diaper.

Be Consistent
Once you start using potty training pants, do not revert to diapers on some days and use potty training pants on others. This only confuses the child and could actually hinder the potty training process. If you are going to use potty training pants, stick with that plan. That will help the child understand the importance of the task. Consistency is key.

Be a Teacher, Not a Dictator
Children don't always get everything right on the first try. In fact, sometimes they aren't even willing to try at first. While using the toilet is a natural thing for us, it is new to children and maybe scary. Be gentle and explain how to properly use the potty training pants. Do not just give orders. Help the child understand and get it right. When the child gets it wrong, simply go over the lesson again. Say things like "When it's time to use the potty, use your big kid pants the way I showed you." You may have to repeat such phrases often. In doing so, be a teacher, not a dictator.

Use Potty Training Pants Geared Toward Your Child
Pay attention to your child's activities and make other observations to determine which potty training pants to use. If your child likes the diaper area cleaned immediately, potty training pants that have wet strips may be a good idea. Pampers Feel N' Learn is one example. Another thing to pay attention to is any skin sensitivities or issues with the way the potty training pants fit.

Let the Child Choose From Types That Work
Once you know about a variety of options that work for your child, let your child choose his or her potty training pants. This makes them seem even more special in the eyes of some children. Not only will they proud of themselves when they use them properly, but they may even brag that they picked them out themselves. Kids love to be a part of decision-making. It makes them proud. For some kids, this will make them more open to using the potty training pants.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Many babies will refuse spoon feeding at the first, second, and maybe even third try and beyond. I've gone through the spoon feeding stage with multiple children. If your baby has refused it, read on to find out what worked for me when my baby refused spoon feeding. Also, ask your child's pediatrician for advice and tips.

Try More than One Baby Food

I learned early on that when an infant refuses spoonfeeding, it isn't always the feeding that's opposed to. It could be the taste or texture of the food. Whenever my baby refused spoon feeding, I'd try more than one baby food, within reason. Remember that babies have sensitive stomachs, so try only one food at a time. Also, when baby won't eat from a spoon, it may not necessarily be the taste, but the texture, or even just the spoon action they're not used to.

TheAmerican Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting at least 2 to 3 days in between testing foods. This is to allow baby's system to get used to each food. It also can make it easier to detect any food allergies. Infant cereals are often suggested as a first food, but fruits, vegetables, and eventually meats can be introduced as well.WholesomeBabyFood.com has instructions for preparing homemade baby foods from fresh foods.

Be Consistent

Once you make the decision to spoonfeed your baby, stick to the plan and be consistent. When my baby refused spoonfeeding, I would be consistent and attempt it at the same times twice each day. If the baby won't eat from a spoon, try again at the next scheduled time. I believe that not giving up is what helped the baby finally decide to give a try.

Don't Stress

When parents get stressed out, so do babies. If you remain calm and positive, chances are your baby will follow the lead. Whenever my baby refused spoonfeeding, I did not stress about it. I simply moved on to the next task of the moment and then followed the consistency rule and tried again at the next scheduled time.

Let Baby Watch You Eat

Babies learn from their parents and they greatly enjoy mimicking what they see. When my baby refused spoon feeding, another thing that worked is me tasting the baby food. Get out two baby spoons. Take one bite of the baby's food with your own spoon. Then, try to feed the baby his or her taste of the baby food. Sometimes seeing the parent taste the food lets the baby feel more secure with it or just causes them to mimic the act.

Make it Fun

One more method that worked for me when my baby refused spoon feeding is to make eating fun. Try giving baby colorful utensils that are easier to grip. Find ones with their favorite characters or colors. Another fun option is to use a favorite puppet or stuffed animal's hand to feed the food to the baby. There are many ways to be creative and make eating fun.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

*I originally published this content via Yahoo Contributor Network