Choosing a baby stroller (read here)
A baby stroller allows you to easily carry your child while you’re on the move. Apart from giving your back a break, it helps you get to where you want to go without being weighed down by too much gear.
Find products that are large enough to can accommodate infants, with a seat that reclines nearly flat (newborns still require neck support). Some include the option of a bassinet or travel system, or both.
Seating
A stroller’s seat is one of the most important features because it’s where your child will spend a lot of time. It is important to choose a comfortable, wide and comfortable seat with plenty of space for your child to stretch and unwind. Some seats feature reclines, which are especially helpful for newborns and infants who do not yet have the neck strength to sit up. Other seats have feet that can be stowed, which provides your baby with another method of relaxing.
Most strollers come with a tray for children that can be used to store toys and snacks. The best models come with a tray that is attached to the side of your seat so you aren’t worried if it falls off when you move. Some strollers for jogging have passenger stow pockets, which are handy for storing sippy cups and bottles. The pockets are easy for children to reach, meaning they won’t drop their drinks while moving.
It is also important to examine the restraint mechanism on the stroller, which will secure your child’s safety. You should look for a five-point safety harness that’s secured at the waist, shoulders and between the legs. The buckles must be easy to secure for adults and difficult for children to take off. You’ll want to test out the stroller with your child inside it, both open and closed. It should be comfortable and easy to push, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers can be used with infant car seats or car frame seats. This makes them an excellent option for families who take public transportation. If you plan to only use the stroller on occasion, you might prefer a lightweight model with less bells, whistles and other features.
When you are shopping for a stroller, take the time to look at the hinges and other places where little fingers might be pinched. While these accidents are rare, they do happen, and you don’t want to give your child an injury to the fingertip. Pay attention to the stroller’s folding capabilities and ensure that it will fit into your trunk.
Stores
A stroller is more than a means to transport your baby. It’s also a great way to transport all the items you need for your entire family, including diapers, toys, food and more. It is essential to choose a stroller with plenty of storage to keep everything in order.
How much storage space you require will depend on your lifestyle and baby’s age. If you intend to take your stroller on long walks as your child grows, you will require more storage space for diaper bags, snacks and additional clothes. If you plan to use your baby stroller only for short trips around town, a smaller basket may be sufficient.
Many of the best baby strollers include lots of storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example, comes with a large storage basket, a sunshade that pops out, and one-step breaks. It folds quickly and almost seamless fold that is easy to handle with one hand while carrying the baby or shopping.
You can also find storage options in the form of pockets, trays and other attachments. For instance the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that is perfect for your stroller to make room for the essentials such as snacks, water and diapers. It also has insulated bottles pockets as well as an exterior slip pockets that can keep small items like keys and wallets within reach.
Another option for storage is a stroller caddy. While these aren’t an essential feature of all strollers but they are an excellent way to keep your stroller organized and tidy without adding a lot of weight or bulk to your ride. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others have an universal attachment, so that they’re compatible with a wide range of strollers.
You can also search for pockets or side nettings to store small items such as toys or wipes without taking up valuable basket space. A cup holder is a useful feature because it allows you to remain hydrated while strolling with your baby and helps keep your hands free.
Style & Colour
There are many kinds of strollers on the market and it’s crucial to determine which features are important to you. For instance, do you need a stroller that’s lightweight enough to fold up and take into your car, or do you need one with more wheels to navigate bumpy streets? How many hours will you use it? Do you want one that’s easy to clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable fabric covers which can be machine washed. This is a great choice if you are susceptible to spills or other messes. Consider a sun shade or handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also come with a reclining chair and the footrest, so your baby can rest while you are out and out and.
If you’re seeking a stroller that can grow with your family, think about a travel system. They are a great choice for babies since they usually include an infant car seat and can be used from day one. Some even come with an option for a bassinet to be used by newborns as well as others that allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to go on a ride.
Color is another aspect to consider. If you’re one of those who are sensitive to gender-biased pink and blue colors, you may want to avoid them for your stroller. You might also think about getting a stroller with neutral colors which is more flexible and looks good with any outfit.
A stroller for babies is a must for all new parents However, with all the options to choose from it can be a challenge to decide which stroller is the best one for you. The tips above can help narrow your choices, so you can choose the ideal stroller that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor Strollers Strollers at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience evaluating household items. She has 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
Whether you’re taking your baby for a walk or going shopping, you need to be sure that the stroller you pick is safe. It should meet the minimum requirements laid out by the AS/NZS standards, which covers construction, material, performance, labeling and safety warnings for strollers.
Find a seat with an elongated frame and a wide base, so that it won’t tip over easily when you remove or put your child. The seat should be secured with an elastic crotch belt. Avoid hanging bags or other objects from the handles, which could cause the stroller to tilt backwards. It is recommended to keep the stroller free of parts that could pinch fingers of children or create the risk of choking Be sure to check that the brake lever is not accessible to children.
It is important to verify 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 the dashboard. It’s important to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.
The fabric of the stroller is also important to take into consideration, as children and babies are notorious for causing mess. Choose a model that has washable fabrics that can withstand the snot, baby food, and dirt-stained prints.
If you plan to use a car seat alongside your stroller, you should consider an option with adaptors or that can be used with adaptors purchased separately. This will let you safely transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and then back.
A certified safety expert can help you if you’re unsure of which features to select. Online, you can get a wealth of information on safe stroller use. This includes tips on how to select and use the right stroller for you and your family. Be sure to secure your child at all times you are seated in the stroller. Also, ensure that all safety straps and buckles are securely fastened. Emergency room doctors have reported that they’ve seen a number of injuries caused by children being injured in strollers and baby carriers.