Media Release:

New Study: Forward Facing Strollers May Negatively Affect Development

A New British Study published last Friday (28th November 2008) suggests that children in forward facing strollers are less likely to talk, laugh and interact. Many Celebrity Parents are already aware of this.

Researchers say children who are put in a position where they are not face to face with their parents or caregivers could suffer emotional and language problems down the road.

Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk of Dundee University in Scotland who conducted the research - believed to be the first of its kind - in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust charity as part of its Talk To Your Baby campaign.

Her findings are based on a study of 2,722 parents and babies, and an experiment where 20 babies were wheeled in strollers for a mile, facing their parents for half the journey and facing away for the other half.

Parents using face-to-face baby carriages were twice as likely to talk to their children. In addition, their babies' heart rates fell and were twice as likely to fall asleep, an indicator that they were feeling relaxed and safe. Only one baby out of the 20 studied laughed while sitting in an away-facing carriage.

"Our data suggests that for many babies today, life in a buggy is emotionally impoverished and possibly stressful," said developmental psychologist Zeedyk. "Stressed babies grow into anxious adults."

The study found that 62 per cent of all children observed travelled in away-facing prams, rising to 86 per cent between the ages of one and two.

Zeedyk said it would harm babies' development if they spent a long time in a carriage that undermined their ability to communicate with a parent at a time when their brains were developing rapidly.

It would appear that celebrity parents are already ahead of the game with Russell Crowe, Heidi Klum, Courtney Cox Arquette, Minnie Driver, Tori Spelling, the Packers and Princess Mary all owning a Stokke Xplory Stroller.

This is precisely what the researchers at Baby Brand Stokke have been saying for years. Their strollers have been designed on the principle that closeness to the parent is best for the child's development. Stokke Xplory is the only stroller or pushchair that elevates your child to be closer to you. Closeness. Being close to your child allows you to keep contact and interact in a way that lower strollers and push chairs are unable to imitate, strengthening your child's feeling of security, comfort, and happiness.

About STOKKE
The Children Collection from STOKKE is an innovative and stylish range of children's furniture and stroller products. All items in the collection are designed to effectively combine function with practicality, whilst offering a truly unique and contemporary look. To find your nearest stockist please contact Exquira on 02 9417 3445 or visit www.exquira.com.au

Mum Zone Release Date: 2nd December 2008

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