Choosing a Baby Stroller
A stroller for babies makes it easy to carry your little one when you're out on the go. It's a great way for you to get around without having carry a lot of equipment.
Find products that are large enough to can accommodate infants, with a seat that can recline almost flat (newborns still need neck support). Some include a bassinet or travel system.
Seating
A stroller's seat is one of the most essential features as it's the place where your baby will spend a lot of time. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats feature reclines that are particularly useful for infants and newborns who don't have the neck strength to sit up. Other seats have stowable footrests to provide your baby with another method of relaxing.
Most strollers offer a child tray that can be useful to store toys and snacks. The most effective models come with the tray that is attached to the side of the seat, so you won't be concerned about it falling off when moving. Some strollers with jogging capabilities come with pockets for passengers that are great to hold sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easily accessible for children, so they aren't likely to spill their drinks while moving.
It is also important to examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which can help keep your child's position. You'll want to search for a five-point safety harness that is secured at the shoulders, waist and between the legs. The buckles should be simple to fasten for adults, and difficult to remove for children. You'll want to try the stroller with your child in it, both open and closed. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers can be used with infant car seats or come with car seat frames. This makes them a great option for families who take public transportation. If you plan to only use the stroller for a few times you may want one that is lightweight and has fewer bells, whistles, and other features.
Take the time when shopping for a stroller to inspect the hinges, and any other nooks or crevices that could cause little fingers to be snagged. Although these incidents are not common but they can happen, and you don't want your child an amputation of the fingertip. Be aware of the foldability of the stroller, and make sure it's safe to put in your trunk when folded.
Storage
A stroller is more than just a means of transport for your child. It's a method of carrying all the things you need to take with you on the go including food, diapers toys, and more. This is why it's crucial to select a stroller that has ample storage space to store everything in order.
The amount of storage you require will depend on both your lifestyle and the age of your baby. If you plan to use your stroller for long walks as your child grows, you'll require more storage space for snacks, a diaper bag and extra clothes. On the other side, if you'll only be using your baby stroller for shorter trips around town, then smaller storage baskets might be enough.
A lot of the top strollers for babies include many storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance features an ample storage basket and a sunshade that is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It folds quickly, nearly seamless fold that is simple to handle with one hand while holding the baby or shopping.
There are also storage options that come in the form of pockets, trays and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller, allowing room for necessities such as snacks, water and diapers. It also comes with insulated bottles pockets and exterior slip pockets that can keep small items such as keys and wallets in reach.
Another option for storage is a stroller caddy. While these aren't the standard features of all strollers however, they can be an excellent method of keeping your stroller tidy and organized without adding a lot of extra weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are sized to fit specific stroller models while others feature an universal attachment, to ensure they're compatible with most strollers.
You can also look for side nettings or pockets to store small items such as wipes or toys without occupying valuable space in the basket. A cup holder is an important feature as it lets you stay hydrated while strolling with your child and keeps your hands free.
Style & Colour
There are many different types of strollers available and it's essential to choose what features are important to you. For example, do you require a stroller that is light enough to fold up and carry into your car, or do you need one with more wheels to maneuver over bumpy sidewalks? How long do you intend to use it, and do you need a stroller that is easy to keep 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 or other mess. Consider a sun shade or a handlebar which can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have an adjustable reclining seat as well as the footrest to allow your baby to relax in while you're out and about.
Travel systems are an excellent choice for families who want a stroller that grows with them. They are a great choice for newborns since they usually include an infant car seat and can be used from the first day. Some even come with a bassinet option for newborns, while others allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to ride.
Color is another thing to consider. Some people are sensitive to gender-biased colors of pink and blue, and if you're one of them, you might prefer not to use 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 must for all new parents, but with so many options to choose from it can be a challenge to determine which stroller is right for you. The tips above can help you narrow down your options so that you can choose the ideal stroller that fits your lifestyle and needs.
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 who are 7 and under.
Safety
When you're taking your baby for a stroll or shopping, you'll want to be confident that the stroller you select is safe. It should meet the minimum requirements set by the AS/NZS standard which covers construction, material, performance, labeling check here and safety warnings for strollers.
Choose a base that is wide and a seat that's low in the frame, so that it isn't likely to tip over when you put your child in or out. The seat should be secured by an elastic belt for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags and other items from the handle, as this could cause the stroller to slide backwards. Make sure the stroller is free of any components that could be a danger to children's fingers or pose a danger of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is kept out of the reach of toddlers.
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 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 consider, as children and babies are notorious for making mess. Choose a model that has washable fabrics that can withstand the snot, baby food, and dirty prints.
If you are planning to use a car seat alongside your stroller, you should consider an option with adaptors or that can accommodate adaptors bought separately. This will let you safely transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and then back.
If you're unsure which features to choose an expert in safety can help. There's also plenty of information about safe stroller use on the internet and includes tips for choosing and using the correct stroller for your family. Remember to buckle up your child at all times, including when they are seated in the stroller. Also, ensure that all buckles and safety straps are securely fastened. Emergency room doctors have reported that they've seen a number of injuries caused by children getting injured in strollers and baby carriers.