Choosing a Baby Stroller
If you're constantly moving, a baby stroller is a great way to transport your child. In addition to giving your back a break, it also helps you get there where you need to go without being weighed down by too much equipment.
Look for full-size products that accommodate infants with a seat that reclines almost flat (newborns require neck support). Some include a bassinet, travel system, or both.
Seating
The seat of a stroller is crucial since your child will spend a lot of time in it. Find a spacious, comfortable seat that lets your child stretch and relax. Some seats have reclines, which are helpful for newborns and infants who don't yet have the neck strength to sit up. Some seats also have feet that can be stowed, which provides your child with a option to relax.
Most strollers come with an infant tray 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 do not have to be concerned if it falls off when you are moving. Some jogging strollers have passenger stow pockets that are great for holding bottles and sippy cups. The pockets are easy for children to reach and they won't spill their drinks while they walk.
You should also think about the stroller's restraint system which will help keep your child safe. Ideally, you'll want a five-point harness that is secured at the waist, shoulders, and between the legs. The buckles should be easy to secure for adults, but difficult to take off for children. It is essential to test the stroller with and without your child. It should be easy to push and comfortable, even on rough terrain.
Some strollers have car seat frames or are compatible with a car seat for infants, which makes them an ideal choice for families who take public transportation or ride shares. However, if you are planning to use your stroller just occasionally, you may prefer an easy stroller that has fewer bells and whistles.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you take the time to examine the hinges and other places where tiny fingers could be snared. Although these accidents are rare, they occur. You don't want your child suffer a fingertip amputation. Also pay attention to how well the stroller folds and make sure it's able to fit into your trunk when folded.
Stores
A stroller is much more than a means to transport your child. It's a means to carry all the items you require for your family on-the-go including food, diapers, toys and more. It's the reason you should pick a stroller with ample storage space to organize everything.
How much storage you need will depend on your lifestyle and the baby's age. For instance, if you'll be taking your stroller on long walks as your child becomes an adult, you'll require more space to store a diaper bag, snacks, extra clothing and water bottles. If you're planning to use your baby stroller only for short trips around the town, a smaller cart may be sufficient.
A lot of the best baby strollers include lots of storage features built-in. The UPPAbaby MINU for instance features an enormous storage basket, a sunshade that is able to pop out, and a one-step breaks. It also features a simple, near-seamless fold that's simple to operate using just one hand when carrying a baby around or shopping for groceries.
There are also storage options in the form of pockets, trays, and other attachments. For example, the Bugaboo Organizer is a zip-top bag that fits perfectly into your stroller to make room for the essentials such as snacks, water and diapers. It also comes with insulated bottles pockets and exterior slip pocket to keep small items like keys and wallets in reach.
A stroller caddy is a different storage option. Although they're not the standard features of every stroller but they are an excellent method of keeping your stroller neat and organized without adding extra weight or bulk to your stroller. Some are designed to fit specific stroller models, whereas others come with an universal attachment, to ensure they're compatible with a wide range of strollers.
Other useful storage features to look for include pockets and side nettings that can be used to store small items, like baby wipes or toys and not take up space in the basket. A cup holder can be a useful feature because it lets you keep hydrated while walking with your child, and also helps keep your hands free.
Style and Colour
There are a variety of strollers available and it's essential to decide which features are important to you. For instance, do need a stroller that's lightweight enough to fold up and take into your car or do you require one with bigger wheels to maneuver over bumpy streets? How long do you expect to use it for, and do you need a stroller that's easy to keep clean and maintain?
Some strollers have removable covers made of fabric that can be washed by machine. This is a great option if you are susceptible to spills and other dirt. Other features to consider include sun shade as well as a handlebar that adjusts to your height. Some models also come with an reclining chair as well as an ottoman so that your child can rest while you are out and out and.
Travel systems are a great choice for families who need a stroller to grow with them. They are a great choice for infants as they typically come with an infant car seat that can be used as early as day one. Some come with a bassinet for infants, while others permit the addition of an infant car seat once your child is ready.
Color is another thing to consider. Some people are sensitive to 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 could also consider choosing a stroller that is neutral that is more adaptable and will look great with any outfit.
A baby stroller is a must for all new parents however, with the many choices available, it can be hard to decide which stroller is the best one for you. These tips will help you narrow down your options so that you can find the best stroller for you and your lifestyle.
Rachel Rothman, Family & Travel Editor at Good Housekeeping, has years of experience in evaluating household products. She holds a degree in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering, and her work has appeared in American Baby and Parenting magazines. She lives in New York City, with her three children who are 7 and below.
Safety
You want to be confident that your stroller is secure whether you're taking your baby for a stroll or shopping. It must meet the minimum requirements set by the AS/NZS standard that covers materials, construction performance, labeling, and safety alerts for strollers.
Choose a base that is wide and a seat that is low in the frame, so that it doesn't fall over when you put your child in or out of it. The seat should be secured with a belt for the crotch. Avoid hanging bags or other objects from the handles, which could cause the stroller to tilt backwards. Keep the stroller clear of any parts that can be a danger to children's fingers or pose a danger of choking. Also, ensure that the brake lever is not within reach of children.
Make sure that the stroller is equipped with a locking system that prevents it accidentally folding when it's in use. It should be possible to lock the stroller by pressing a button on the handlebars or dashboard. It's recommended to register your stroller so that the manufacturer can send you any safety alerts.
The fabric of the stroller is also important to consider, as children and babies are notorious for their mess. Make sure you choose a stroller that has washable fabric that can handle baby food, snot, and dirty prints.
If you intend to use a car seat with your stroller, think about getting an option with adaptors that are included or that can be used with adaptors purchased separately. This will enable your child to be safely taken from the car to the stroller and back.
If you're not sure which features to choose, a certified safety professional can help. You can also find lots get more info of information on safe stroller use on the internet with tips on choosing and using the right stroller for your family. Make sure you buckle your child at all times even when they are sitting in the stroller. Also, make sure all buckles and safety straps are securely fastened. Children who ride in strollers or carriers are often injured by emergency room doctors.