Mountain Buggy Carrycot vs the Mountain Buggy Cocoon

Buying a running buggy which can also be your everyday buggy is smart.  The Mountain Buggy Terrain is a great option for a universal use buggy.  It can be used from birth as it is due to the lie flat mode but many parents prefer a carrycot in the early stages in order to have their baby parent facing.  Depending on your size of baby they will grow out of this at 5-6 months.

Last year Mountain Buggy launched a new item, their 'Cocoon' as an alternative Carrycot.  If you want to know the differences to that and the Carrycot Plus (a question asked more and more) then take a look below.

CARRYCOT PLUS FEATURES

The Mountain Buggy Carrycot Plus has ways to be set up; Traditional carrycot, a slight incline for reflux mode and then a smaller incline seat.  It also has metal feet which keep it off the floor when not on the buggy, as airflow underneath is recommended for safe sleeping.  It has a fully ventilated removable mattress which has passed safe sleep tests meaning you can use this as a moses basket when travelling.

Weight of item - 4.2kg

Weight capacity - 9kgs or 15kgs in incline mode

Dimensions: Length 76cm, width 33cm, depth 20cm

Price - £139.00

SO WHAT IS THE COCOON

 A lightweight, lie flat, soft shelled carrycot that travels with you for newborns.  Has a protective zip lid to shield your baby from the elements.  The cocoon provides carry handles and a firm base, so you can easily transport your baby in and out of the buggy without disturbing their rest.

Weight of item- 1.4kg

Weight capacity - 0-6 months or 9 kgs

Dimensions - Length: 72cm, width: 30cm, height 18cm, (no hood)

Cost - £49.00

As shown on the Swift model but on the Terrain it would be the same set up.

The importance of the right trainers when returning to exercise post baby

Imagine that scene from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Duncan was put on a boat in a very foggy lake.  The film has no relevance (apart from being one of my guilty pleasures) but the weather does.  After having both of my daughters I entered a foggy haze, this weird existence of feeding 24 hours a day so day and night became irrelevant. 

In a deep and dark crevasse at the back of my brain was the knowledge exercise would help me clear my head, find some energy and make me feel better about my body.  Not only did I want to loose baby weight but I also wanted to regain some strength so I could carry my baby around with sore knees, back etc. 

A great way to regain fitness post baby is to build up from walking with a buggy and then a walk run method.  

But are the old dusty trainers from the back of the wardrobe/cupboard under the stairs, suitable?  Maybe not! You could do real damage to your body by not having the right trainers when you return to running.  And here is why from an expert physio, Gibwa Cole B.Sc(Hons) Sport Physiotherapist and Movement Specialist, Drummond Clinic.

The feet undergo a few changes during pregnancy. Increased blood flow and fluid retention can lead to swollen feet, making it difficult to fit into previously well-fitting shoes. Additionally, the release of a hormone called relaxin results in looser ligaments which leads to longer, wider feet and flatter arches - both of which can compromise foot stability. Normally the feet revert back to normal after pregnancy, but some of these changes, and the resultant foot instability, can persist.

In the upright position the feet are the only part of the body in contact with the ground. How they react to this ground reaction force will determine how the rest of the body responds. A good and stable foot position is integral to allowing smooth transition of force through the ankles, hips and knees. A trainer is meant to facilitate a good and stable foot position. Ill-fitting shoes can alter the biomechanics of the foot and ankle complex which can have negative effects further up the kinetic chain e.g. feet turning out, knees falling inwards and hips dropping. This can lead to things like ankle, knee, hip and back pain. It’s also important to remember that no one trainer is suitable for everyone. You need to find the type of trainer which supports you and your movement. You can prevent a lot of issues by ensuring a good trainer choice and fit before you take to the roads/parks/trails.

Wow! So those body niggles you get some you return to running could be caused by ill fitting or structurally worn out trainers. Head down to your local running store to get fitted and assessed by someone in the know.  I like to go to the friendly team at Runners Retreat in Marlow.  If the body niggles continue then a physio (like at the Drummond Clinic) can assess your gait and recommend strengthening exercises to prevent niggles turning into injuries.  

In short, the sports bra & trainers are your bread and butter when returning to exercise post baby!  The Running buggy is important of course but that's another blog for another day.  Go get that fresh air and enjoy the energy boost! 

Wendy x