Choosing a Baby Stroller
A stroller for babies makes it easy to carry your child when you're on the move. It's a great way for you to move around without having to carry a lot of gear.
Look for full-size products that accommodate infants with a reclined seat that is nearly flat (newborns require neck support). Some of them include a bassinet, or travel system.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is crucial because your baby will spend a lot of time in it. Find a comfortable, wide seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats recline, which is particularly useful for infants and newborns who aren't yet equipped with the neck strength required to sit up. Some seats have stowable footrests that allow your baby to relax in a different way.
The majority of strollers have a child tray that can be used to store toys and snacks. The best models have an attached tray that can be stowed to the side of the seat and you don't be concerned about it falling off when moving. Some strollers for jogging come with pockets for passengers which are useful to hold bottles and sippy cups. The pockets are easy for kids to reach, meaning they won't fall and spill their drinks when they move.
It is also important to examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which will help secure your child's position. You'll want to search for a five-point safety harness that's secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles should be simple for adults to fasten and difficult for children to unbuckle. You'll want to test the stroller with your child inside it, both open and closed. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers are compatible with infant car seats or car seat frames. This makes them a good choice for families that use public transport. However, if you are planning to use your stroller only occasionally, you may prefer an ultra-light stroller that is less laden with bells and whistles.
When you're shopping for a stroller, make sure you take the time to examine the hinges and any other places where tiny fingers could be snared. While these accidents are rare however, they do happen and you don't want your child the gift of an injury to the fingertip. Be aware of how well the stroller folds and make sure it's able to fit into your trunk when folded.
Storage
A stroller is more than a means to carry your baby. It's also a great way to transport all the things you need for your entire family, including diapers as well as food, toys and much more. That's why it's important to choose a stroller with plenty of storage space to keep everything organized.
The amount of storage you require will be contingent on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For instance, if use your stroller for longer walks as your baby grows into a toddler, you'll need more space to store a diaper bag, snacks, and extra clothes and water bottles. On the other hand, if you'll use your stroller for a shorter trip around town, an a smaller storage basket might suffice.
A lot of the top strollers for babies include lots of storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance features an ample storage basket, a sunshade that can be removed, and a one-step breaks. It also features a simple and seamless fold that's easy to handle with just one hand holding a baby or shopping for groceries.
Stroller storage is also available in the form of tray, pockets and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller, allowing room for essentials like snacks, water and diapers. It also features insulated bottle pockets as well as an exterior slip pocket to keep small items such as keys and wallets in reach.
A stroller caddy is another storage option. While they're not a standard feature of every stroller, they can be an excellent method of keeping your stroller tidy and organized without adding extra weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are sized to fit specific stroller models, while others feature a universal attachment to ensure they're compatible with all strollers.
Also, look for pockets or side nettings to store small items such as toys or wipes without occupying valuable space in the basket. A cup holder is also an excellent feature because it can help you stay hydrated during your strolls and help you keep your hands clear while walking with your child.
Style and Colour
There are a variety of strollers available, and it's important to decide which features are most important to you. Do you require a lightweight stroller to fold and fit into your car or one with big wheels to help you navigate bumpy sidewalks. How many hours will you use it? Do you want one that's easy-to-clean and maintain?
Some strollers come with removable fabric covers that can be machine washed. This is a great option if you are susceptible to spills and other messes. Other features worth considering include the sun shade and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also come with the option of reclining chairs and the footrest, so your baby can take a nap while you're out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller which will grow with your family, consider a travel system. They're a great choice for babies since they usually include an infant car seat that can be used from day one. Some even have a bassinet option for newborns, while others allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to ride.
Another thing to consider is color. Some people are sensitive to the gender-biased colors of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you may prefer to stay clear of these colors for your stroller. Consider a neutral stroller that is more flexible and can be worn with every outfit.
A stroller for babies is a necessity for new parents, but with so many options to choose from it can be difficult to decide which stroller is the best one for you. The suggestions above will help you narrow your options to choose the perfect stroller for your needs and lifestyle.
Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience evaluating household products. She has a degree in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics and her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City with her three children aged 7 and under.
Safety
When you're taking your baby for a walk or going shopping, you need to be confident that the stroller you pick is safe. It should meet minimum requirements set out by the AS/NZS standards that cover construction, material performance, and safety warnings.
Look for a wide base and a seat low in the frame so that it doesn't fall over when you put your child in or take them out. The seat should also be securely fastened with a strap for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags or other items from the handles, which could cause the stroller to tilt backwards. It's best to keep the stroller free of any parts that could irritate fingers of children or create the risk of choking and ensure that the brake lever is not within reach of children.
It's important to confirm whether the stroller has a locking mechanism that prevents it from folding accidentally when in use, and that it can be locked by pressing an appropriate button on the handlebar or dashboard. It's important to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.
Another thing to consider is how it is easy to clean the stroller's fabric, since toddlers and babies are prone to making messes. Find a stroller that has washable fabrics that can stand up to baby food, snot and muddy footprints.
If you plan to use a get more info car seat along with your stroller, you should consider an option with adaptors or can accommodate ones purchased separately. This will enable your child to be securely transferred from the car to the stroller and back.
A certified safety expert can help you if you're unsure of the best features to choose. On the internet, you can find a lot of information on safe stroller usage. This includes advice on how to pick and use the correct stroller for you and your family. Be sure to buckle your child in every time, even if they're seated in the stroller, and be sure that all safety straps are properly secured. Doctors in emergency rooms report that they encounter a lot of injuries caused by children who are injured in strollers and baby carriers.