Choosing a Baby Stroller
A baby stroller allows you to carry your baby when you're out on the move. It's a great way to move around without having to carry a lot of equipment.
Find products that are full-sized and come with a seat that is able to be reclined nearly flat. (Newborns still require neck support). Some of them include a bassinet, or travel system.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is important since your child will spend a lot of time in it. It is important to choose a comfortable, wide seat that provides ample space for your child to stretch and unwind. Some seats recline, which is especially suitable for infants and babies who don't yet have the neck strength required to sit up. Some seats have stowable footrests that let your child relax in a different way.
A majority of strollers have a child tray, which can be useful to store toys and snacks. The best models have an attached tray that can be stowed to the side of the seat, so you won't be concerned about it falling off while moving. Some jogging strollers have pockets for bottles as well as sippy cup holders. The pockets are easy for children to reach, so they won't drop their drinks while they walk.
You should also consider the stroller's restraint system that will keep your child safe. You'll want to search 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, but difficult to take off for children. It is important to test the stroller both with and without your child. It should be comfortable and easy to push, even over 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 transport. If you intend to use the stroller for a few times, you might prefer an easy-to-use model that has less bells, whistles and other features.
Make sure when you shop for a stroller, to check the hinges and any other nooks or crevices which could irritate little fingers. Although these accidents aren't common, they do happen, and you don't want your child an injury to the fingertip. Be aware of how well the stroller folds and make sure it fits in your trunk when folded.
Storage
A stroller is more than a means of transport for your baby. It's a method of carrying all the items you require for your family on-the-go, including food, diapers toys, and more. This is why it's crucial to choose a stroller with plenty of storage space to store everything in order.
How much storage space you require will depend on your lifestyle and baby's age. If you plan to use your stroller on long walks as your child grows, you will require more storage space to store diaper bags, snacks and other clothes. If you intend to use your stroller for short excursions around town, a smaller basket might be enough.
A lot of the top baby strollers have plenty of storage options built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU, for example features an enormous storage basket as well as a sunshade which can be removed, and a one-step breaks. It also has a quick close-seam fold that is easy to handle using just one hand when holding a baby or shopping for food items.
Stroller storage can also be found in pockets, trays and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is an open-top bag that can be easily tucked into your stroller, allowing room for necessities such as water, snacks and diapers. It also has an insulated bottle pocket and exterior slip pockets to keep small items such as keys and wallet within reach.
Another option for storage is a stroller more info caddy. While these aren't an essential feature of all strollers however, they can be an excellent way to keep your stroller tidy and organized without adding extra weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to be compatible with specific models of strollers, while others include universal attachments, making them compatible with all strollers.
You can also look for pockets or side nettings that can be used to store small items such as wipes or toys without occupying valuable space in the basket. A cup holder is useful since it can aid you in staying hydrated on your walks and keep your hands free when walking with your baby.
Style and Colour
There are a variety of strollers available and it's essential to determine what features are important to you. For example, do you require a stroller that is light enough to fold up and take into your car, or do you need one with bigger wheels to navigate bumpy streets? How long do you expect to use it, and do you need a stroller that is easy to clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable covers made of fabric that are machine washable and is a great option if you're prone to spills or other mess. Consider a sun shade or a handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. Some models also have an adjustable reclining seat as well as a footrest for your baby to rest on while you're out and out and about.
If you're looking for a stroller that can grow with your family, consider a travel system. They are a great option for babies, since they include a baby seat and can be used immediately. Some even come with a bassinet option for newborns and some allow you to add a toddler seat for when your child is ready to go on a ride.
Another thing to consider is the color. Some people are sensitive to the gender-biased colours of blue and pink, and if you're one of them, you might want to avoid these colors for your stroller. You can also consider opting for a stroller that is neutral which is more flexible and can be paired with any outfit.
It is vital for all new parents to have a baby stroller but there are so many kinds of strollers on the market that it is difficult to pick the right one. These tips will help you narrow your options to choose the right stroller for your needs and lifestyle.
Good Housekeeping's Family & Travel Editor Rachel Rothman has a long history of reviewing and testing household products. She holds a degree from applied math and mechanical engineering. Her work has been published in American Baby and Parenting. She lives in New York City, with her three children aged 7 and below.
Safety
If you're taking your child to a walk or shopping, you'll want to be sure that the stroller you choose is safe. It must meet the minimum standards set by the AS/NZS standard which covers material, construction, performance, labeling and safety warnings for strollers.
Look for a wide base and a seat that is low in the frame, so it won't easily tip over when you insert your child in or out of it. The seat should also be secured with an elastic crotch strap. Avoid hanging bags or other objects from the handles, as this could cause the stroller slide backwards. Keep the stroller free of any parts that can be a danger to children's fingers or create a risk of choking. Also, make sure 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 can be locked by pressing a button on the handlebar or the dashboard. By registering your stroller, you allow the manufacturer to provide you with any safety updates.
The fabric of the stroller is also important to think about, since children and babies are notorious for their messes. Look for a model with washable fabrics that can stand up to baby food and snot, as well as dirt-covered footprints.
If you are planning to use a car seat alongside your stroller, you should consider one that has adaptors included or can accommodate ones purchased separately. This will let you safely transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and then back again.
If you're unsure of which features to pick, a certified safety professional can help. There's also a wealth of information about safe stroller use on the internet with tips on choosing and using the correct stroller for your family. And remember to secure your child every time, even if they are seated in the stroller, and make sure that all safety straps are secured. Doctors in emergency rooms say they see many injuries caused by children being injured in strollers and baby carriers.