How Strollers Help Infants and Toddlers Develop Cognitive and Sensory Skills
Strollers help infants observe their surroundings, aiding the development of their sensory and cognitive abilities. Some models let babies lay down and relax or sleep. Many have an infant bassinet that can be converted into cribs.
Some strollers have large, foam-filled tires that are ideal for rolling over rough terrain and gliding along bumpy sidewalks. They’re also a lot easier to push with one hand.
User-Friendliness
Strollers can be an excellent help for parents. Strollers help infants and toddlers leave the house to experience new sights and scents, stimulating their cognitive development. They also are more comfortable than trying to get babies into cars and out of them, or hold them up while walking on uneven sidewalks.
The best strollers come with plenty of storage space for snacks, extra clothing, and other items for the infant or child. Some come with reclining seats, which allows the baby to relax on extended walks or on longer excursions. Some come with adjustable leg rests or calf supports, which are ideal for taller adults to prevent getting hunched up or reaching down to pick their child up.
Our experts in parenting and engineering examine each product’s usability based on a number of submetrics. We look at factors like how difficult it is to fold up and store, whether or not the stroller can be used with just one hand, and how long it takes to switch between modes (e.g. changing from car seat to stroller). We also examine useful features like parent trays as well as snack pockets and cup holders.
The size and type of stroller wheels have a major impact on maneuverability. The best strollers have big rubber wheels that utilize air to enhance performance on pavement or rough terrain. In contrast smaller wheels can get bogged down on uneven surfaces and may transmit jarring shocks directly to the infant.
Some families might want to take their baby out for longer excursions beyond the local parks, which could mean they require a stroller with a larger and more spacious seating space. They might also require a bigger basket to store all the other items they’ll need to bring along including extra clothes snacks, toys, and other items.
Families who have to take strollers internationally should look for a lightweight frame. In the same way, those who have to take the stroller in and out of cars often might want to consider the model that has a smart lock that allows users to quickly unlock wheel attachments, without having to remove them from the frame itself.
Safety
Strollers can be used to transport babies and young children. Neglecting safety considerations could lead to serious injuries. Be sure to choose an enduring frame and seat and a 5-point safety harness, wrist tether straps, and locking mechanisms for folding systems. Make sure the stroller is in compliance with EN (European) certification standards or has been tested by a CPSC-accepted laboratory to ensure compliance with all applicable child product rules, such as lead content and phthalate content limitations.
A high-quality stroller will feature a wider wheelbase to avoid tipping and an inclined test track to verify stability. Strollers with two rear wheels like side-byside models or convertible strollers, are more stable than strollers with just one front wheel.
It’s also important to examine the basket to find a latch that keeps the child or baby in the stroller. Some models feature the “peek-aboo” window made of clear plastic so you can monitor your child. A reversible canopy is useful to shield your child from wind or sun exposure as well as ones with large pull-down flaps to cover the entire seat in the event of need.
Finally, look for a strong buckle for the waist strap, and make sure that the belt is securely secured around your baby’s shoulders, chest, upper thighs, and lower abdomen. Some strollers also have a crotch belt similar to the ones found in cars. This stops the baby from climbing out or falling out if the stroller tips.
The best bumper bars are constructed of thick nylon so that they can’t be nibbled on by toddlers. The bar should be wrapped in foam to stop babies from getting hurt through sudden jolts. A backrest that reclines and can be reclined with one hand is a beneficial feature. Choose a stroller that is easy to clean. It is likely that food and drool will spill out, therefore having a stroller that can throw in the washer after each use, is a fantastic feature.
Comfort
Many parents worry about baby comfort when using strollers. Fortunately, modern strollers come with a variety of comfort measures built in, so that babies can relax and enjoy their outings. Some features that are comfortable include:
a. A handlebar that can be adjusted to different heights, also referred to as Telescoping bars allow parents to push their stroller comfortably without having to bend or lean in one direction. Some strollers also offer an ergonomically designed handle with rubber grips to help reduce hand soreness and fatigue.
Strollers are generally constructed of a light material that makes them easy to move and lift. Powder coatings are often used to protect them from damage caused by scratches and Baby Mobility other abrasions. Some are made from recycled material to contribute to environmental conservation.
Check for a stroller with a five-point safety belt that can be swaddled around the child’s waist, their shoulders and between their legs. This will stop them from falling out in the event that the stroller tilts or is moved by outside forces. Make sure that the harness is securely fastened to the seat with no gaps and that the buckle is easily snapped into the correct position.
A large canopy protects the child from bright sunlight or weather conditions and some models come with transparent plastic “peek-a-boo” windows that allow the parent to see the child without having to turn or stop their stride. Some strollers come with a parent tray for convenient storage of keys, wallets water bottles, and coffee cups.
Strollers equipped with shock-absorbing wheels are more comfortable. Strollers with rubber tires that are too firm can rub against the road which can cause heat and friction. This can cause discomfort for babies. Shock-absorbing tires distribute the burden evenly, making it easier to maneuver the stroller and ensuring a smoother journey.
A quality stroller should be able fit an infant car seat which is crucial for newborns that cannot lift their heads. Some fully-featured strollers have a second seat which can be used as an elevated platform or bench for older toddlers. Others have a bassinet suitable for babies.
Convenience
Strollers are a great way to carry children around without adult hands. They also allow parents to keep an eye on their children as they run errands or doing other activities. Parents also use strollers to bring their babies to new places to stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development.
Most full-size strollers include an ample storage basket for storage of items like food, bottles and toys, diapers, and wipes. Some have a cushioned seat that reclines to a flat position for toddlers or infants who want to nap. They also come with large canopy that guards against wind, sun and rain. Some canopy designs have a window that allows you to monitor your child without having to bend over or take the pram out of the stroller. Some canopies come with telescoping handles that are adjustable to different heights.
Those who prefer to run with their child might want to consider a stroller that joggs. They usually come with larger rubber wheels and air-filled tires that improve mobility. The best jogging strollers are equipped with suspension systems that make the ride even more comfortable for your child.
When choosing a stroller, make sure the product is easy to fold and it locks in place to ensure safety when transporting. Some models come with a one-hand recline, which allows you to easily prop up the toddler seat. Others come with an adjustable handlebar that can adjust the height of the user with just a twist of the wrist. Some models include a cup holder, while others have deep side walls to make it less likely for spills to occur.
The majority of full-size strollers have car seat adapters that let you connect your infant car seats to the stroller. This allows for safe travel. Some have a bassinet that can be used for babies. Some strollers are equipped with a wheeled board which can be connected to the stroller for older children.
In a survey, respondents reported that their strollers encouraged their children to be physically active. This is primarily the case in outdoor activities that are unstructured, which have been shown to positively impact the development of motor skills as well as vitamin levels and mental health.