Choosing a Baby Stroller
A baby stroller makes it easy to carry your baby when you're on the move. Apart from giving your back an opportunity to rest, it can help you get to where you need to be without getting overwhelmed by the weight of all your gear.
Find products that are large enough to fit infants with a reclined seat that is almost flat (newborns still require neck support). Some come with a bassinet or travel system.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is vital since your child will spend the majority of his time in it. It is important to choose an easy, spacious seat that allows your child to stretch and relax. Some seats come with reclines, which are especially helpful for newborns and infants who don't yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats come with footrests that can be stowed to provide your baby with another method of relaxing.
A majority of strollers have a child tray, which can be useful for storing toys and snacks. The most effective models come with a tray that attaches to the side of the seat and you don't have to worry about it falling off when moving. Some jogging strollers have passenger stow pockets that are great to hold sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for children to reach, so they won't drop their drinks while moving.
You should also take a look at the restraint system on the stroller, which will secure your child's position. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that secures at the waist, shoulders, and between the legs. The buckles should be simple to fasten for adults and difficult to take off for children. It is essential to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers can be used with infant car seats or have car seat frames. This makes them a great choice for families that use public transportation. If you intend to use your stroller just often, you might prefer a lightweight stroller with fewer bells and whistles.
When you are shopping for a stroller, take your time to inspect the hinges and any other places where little fingers may be snagged. These incidents are not common, but they can happen. You don't want your child be a victim of amputation of the fingertip. Be aware of how well the stroller folds and make sure it fits in your trunk when folded.
Stores
A stroller is more than just a way to transport your child. It's also a great way to transport all the items you need for your entire family, such as diapers food, toys, and more. That's why it's important to choose a stroller with plenty of storage space to keep everything organized.
The amount of storage space you need will depend on your lifestyle and the age of your baby. For instance, if use your stroller for extended walks as your baby develops into an adult, you'll require more space to store a diaper bag, snacks, additional water bottles and clothes. If you're planning to use your baby stroller for short excursions around the town, a smaller cart might be enough.
A lot of the top baby strollers have lots of storage options built into them. For instance the UPPAbaby MINU includes a spacious storage basket as well as a pop-out sunshade, and brakes with one step. It also has a quick and seamless fold that's easy to handle with just one hand while 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 example is a zip-top bag that is ideal for your stroller and allows you to keep essential items such as snacks, water, and diapers. It also comes with an insulated bottle pocket and outside slip pockets to keep keys and wallets in reach.
Another storage option is a stroller caddy. While they're not a standard feature of all strollers, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models while others have an attachment that is universal so that they're compatible with all strollers.
Other storage options to look out for are pockets and side nettings that can be used to store small items such as baby wipes or toys, without taking up space in the basket. A cup holder is also useful as it will aid you in staying hydrated on your strolls and also keep your hands free while walking with your baby.
Style & Colour
There are many different types of strollers available and it's essential to choose which features are most important to you. Do you require a lightweight stroller that can fold easily into your car, or one with big wheels to aid you on bumpy streets. How long do you expect to use it, and do you need an easy-to-clean stroller? clean and maintain?
Some strollers come with removable covers made of fabric which can be machine washed. This is a great option for those who you are prone to spills and other messes. Other features worth considering include a sun shade and a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Some models also come with a reclining chair and a footrest so your baby can take a nap while you're out and out and about.
Travel systems are a great option for families who need an infant stroller that can grow with them. They are a great choice for newborns since they usually come with an infant car seat and can be used from day one. Some have a bassinet for babies, while some allow you to add a toddler car seat when your child is ready.
Another thing to think about is the color. Some people are sensitive to the gender-specific colors of pink and blue If you're one of them, you might want to avoid these colors for your stroller. You could also consider choosing a stroller that is neutral, which is more versatile and looks good with any outfit.
It is vital for all new parents to have a baby stroller, but there are so many kinds of strollers available that it is difficult to select the best one. The tips above will help you narrow down your choices so that you can choose the right stroller that fits your lifestyle.
Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience evaluating household items. She holds a degree from applied mathematics and mechanical engineering, and her work has been featured 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 stroll or shopping, you want to feel confident that the stroller you pick is safe. It should meet minimum standards set by AS/NZS standards, which address construction, material performance, and safety warnings.
Find a seat with a wide base and a seat that's low in the frame, so that it isn't likely to tip over when you insert your child in or out. The seat should be secured with a belt for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags or other objects on the handles, which could cause the stroller to slide backwards. It is recommended to keep the stroller clear of parts that could pinch the fingers of website a child or create the risk of choking Be sure to check that the brake lever isn't within reach of a toddler.
It's important to confirm that the stroller is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent it from folding accidentally while in use, and that it can be locked by pressing a button on the handlebar or dashboard. Registering your stroller will allow the manufacturer to send you any safety information.
Another important consideration is how it is easy to clean the stroller's fabric, because toddlers and babies are prone to making messes. Find a stroller that has washable fabrics that will be able to withstand baby food, snot and muddy footprints.
If you plan to use a car seat alongside your stroller, think about getting an option with adaptors or can accommodate ones purchased separately. This will allow your child to be safely transported from the car to the stroller and back.
A certified safety expert will assist you if you are unsure of the best features to choose. There's also plenty of information on safe stroller use on the internet, including tips for selecting and using the right stroller for your family. And remember to secure your child every time, even if they're seated in the stroller, and ensure that all safety straps are properly secured. Doctors in emergency rooms have reported that they've seen a number of injuries caused by children who are hurt in strollers and carriers.