Choosing a Baby Stroller
A stroller for babies allows you to easily carry your baby when you're on the move. Aside from giving your back a break, it also helps you get there where you need to go without being burdened by too much gear.
Find full-size products that fit infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns require neck support). Some come with an infant bassinet, a travel system, or both.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is vital because your baby will spend a lot of time in it. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which are particularly beneficial for newborns and infants who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength needed to sit up. Some seats come with stowable footrests to provide your child with a method of relaxing.
A majority of strollers have an infant tray which is useful for storing snacks and toys. The best models have an attached tray to the side of your seat, so you aren't worried about it falling off when you move. Some strollers for jogging have passenger stow pockets, which are handy to hold bottles and sippy cups. The pockets are easy to access for children, so they won't spill their drinks when moving.
You should also consider the stroller's restraint system that will keep your child secure. You'll want to look for a five-point safety harness that's secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be simple for adults to fasten and difficult for children to take off. You'll want to test out the stroller with your child in it, both with the doors open and closed. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers have car seat frames or can be used with an infant car seat, which makes them an ideal choice for families who take public transportation or ride shares. However, if you plan to use your stroller just often, you might prefer a lightweight stroller with fewer bells and whistles.
When you're shopping for a stroller, make sure you take your time to inspect the hinges and any other places where tiny fingers could be snared. Although these accidents aren't common, they do happen, and you don't want to give your child the gift of an amputation of the fingertip. Also pay attention to how well the stroller folds and make sure it fits in your trunk when folded.
Stores
A stroller is more than just a mode of transportation for your baby. It's also a great option to transport all the things you require for your entire family, including diapers, toys, food and much more. It's crucial to pick the stroller that has plenty of storage to keep everything organized.
The amount of storage space you require will depend on both your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For example, if you'll be taking your stroller on long walks as your child grows into an adult, you'll require more space for a well-stocked diaper bag, snacks, and extra clothes and water bottles. If you plan to use your stroller for short excursions around town, a smaller basket might be enough.
Many of the top baby strollers have lots of storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance, comes with a large storage basket, a sunshade that is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It also features a simple close-seam fold that is simple to operate using just one hand when holding a baby or shopping for groceries.
You can also find storage options in the form pockets, trays, and other attachments. The Bugaboo Organizer for instance is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller and lets you keep essential items such as snacks, water and diapers. It also features bottles with insulated pockets as well as external slip pockets that keep small items such as keys and wallets in reach.
A stroller caddy is a different storage option. While they're not the standard features of every stroller however, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding any weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others come with an attachment that is universal to make them compatible with all strollers.
You can also look for side nettings or pockets to store small items such as toys or wipes without taking up precious space in the basket. A cup holder can be a useful feature because it lets you stay hydrated while strolling with your child and keeps your hands free.
Style and Colour
There are many different types of strollers available, and it's important to choose which features are most important to you. For example, do you require a stroller with a lightweight design enough to fold up and carry into your car or do you require one with larger wheels to get over bumpy sidewalks? How long do you plan to use it for, and do you want a stroller that is easy to clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable fabric covers that can be machine washed. This is a great choice if you are susceptible to spills and other dirt. You might want to consider the sun shade or handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Additionally, some models come with an adjustable reclining seat as well as a footrest for your baby to rest in while you're out and out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller which can grow with your family, you should consider a travel system. They're a great choice for newborns since they usually come with an infant car seat that can be used from day one. Some even have the option of a bassinet for infants and some allow you to add a toddler seat when your child is ready to ride.
Color is another thing to take into consideration. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colours of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you may prefer to stay clear of these colors for your stroller. You can also consider opting for a stroller with neutral colors, which is more versatile and will look great with any outfit.
A baby stroller is a necessity for new parents However, with all the options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which stroller is right for you. These tips will help you narrow down your options so that you can choose the perfect stroller that fits your lifestyle.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has a long history of evaluating and testing household products. She holds a degree in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting. She lives in New York City with her three children who are 7 and under.
Safety
You want to be confident that your stroller is secure, whether you're taking the baby on a walk or going out shopping. It should meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standards, which covers material, construction performance, labeling, and safety warnings for strollers.
Find a seat with more info a wide base and a seat that is low in the frame, so that it doesn't fall over when you put your child in or out. The seat should also be securely fastened with the crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handles, which can cause the stroller to slide backwards. It is recommended to ensure that the stroller is free of any parts that could irritate the fingers of a child or create the risk of choking Be sure to check that the brake lever is not within reach of a toddler.
Check that the stroller is equipped with a locking system that prevents it accidentally folding when it's in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button located on the handlebars, or the dashboard. It's important to register your stroller to ensure that the manufacturer is able to send you any safety alerts.
The fabric of the stroller is important to think about, since babies and children are notorious for their mess. Look for a model with washable fabrics that can stand up to baby food, snot and muddy footprints.
Think about buying a stroller which includes adaptors or will be used with adaptors purchased separately if you intend to use your car seat. This will allow your child to be securely transferred from the car to stroller and back.
If you're not sure which features to choose an expert in safety can assist. There's also a wealth of information regarding safe stroller usage online, including tips for selecting and using the best stroller for your family. And remember to secure your child every time, even when they're sitting in the stroller, and make sure that all safety straps are secured. Children in strollers or carriers are frequently injured by emergency room physicians.