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Television and movie dads such as Will Arnett (Up All Night) and Chris Rock (What to Expect When You're Expecting) have made it cool to strap on a baby carrier or stock up the stroller. A gift of a sturdy stroller, baby backpack or bike trailer can encourage that behavior in other young fathers. Here are three Father's Day gift ideas that'll help Dad get outdoors to enjoy his precious cargo.
All-terrain strollers
These versatile three-wheelers can tackle smooth or bumpy terrain. Just lock the front wheel for rough surfaces and unlock it for easier maneuvering on level ground. Thanks to air-filled tires, they're easy to push and provide a smooth ride for the baby. All-terrain strollers are a good value because they grow with the child, especially if you choose one that's compatible with an infant car seat. The tires are larger than most and the wheels may need to be removed to fit the stroller into the trunk. Dad will also need a bike pump to re-inflate the tires from time to time.
Our top-rated all-terrain stroller is the InSTEP Safari AR245, $150. It was very good overall, with excellent maneuverability and an easy-to-use folding mechanism. Other convenient features include an adjustable handle and five-point harness. The InSTEP Safari can accommodate an infant car seat and a car seat adapter is included.
Backpack carriers
Once a baby is about six months old and has full head and neck control, he's ready for a backpack carrier. The baby will enjoy the view as Dad hits the trail or the local supermarket. Most backpack carriers have aluminum or aluminum alloy frames and a seat, waist belt, and shoulder harness made of moisture-resistant fabric. Parents like them because they help distribute the child's weight along the back, shoulders and hips. Backpack carriers can accommodate 30 to 70 pounds of baby and gear. Look for one with lots of padding and pockets.
Bike trailers
For dads who like to bike, a trailer is a better option for bringing along young children than a bike seat, which can make a bike feel unstable. Trailers can be used from ages one to six years. Children are seated, strapped in with a harness and usually enclosed in a zippered compartment that protects them from the elements. Unlike bike seats, trailers are low to the ground, which can reduce possible injuries from falls. But this low profile makes them difficult for drivers to see. If you buy a bike trailer, don't forget to grab an orange safety flag (between 3½ feet and 7 feet high) to ensure visibility, and helmets for the kids even though they'll just be passengers.
